Water Goal

The University has succeeded in reducing water consumption

Total potable water usage (including residence halls) dropped 2.4% last year and is down 4.7% since 2008. In April, the campus set its first water reduction goal, committing to reduce potable water use to 10% below 2008 levels by 2020.

The Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability will work with Physical Plant-Campus Services and Capital Projects to fund and implement the high-priority projects that are needed to reach the potable water reduction goal. In addition, there are multiple grant-funded water projects underway on campus: installing low-flow shower valves and educational signs in Unit 3, installing up to five hydration stations in locations such as Evans, Stanley, Boalt, and University Hall, installing electronic metering and a weather station for better water management in campus irrigation systems, and updating sprinkler heads in the Botanical Gardens to reduce water use for irrigation and decrease runoff into Strawberry Creek. Download the final campus water report.

Chancellor Sets First Campus-Wide Water Reduction Goal

At the 2011 Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability (CACS) 8th Annual Summit, Chancellor Birgeneau announced the first water reduction goal for the campus, committing to reduce potable water use to 10% below 2008 levels by 2020. The Chancellor additionally committed to double this target if the local utility can provide a non-potable source for irrigation. A study prepared by CACS identified $1.6 million dollars in cost-effective central campus water reduction projects – saving $250,000 in annual utility costs. Planned implementation projects include upgrading domestic fixtures to lower-flow, repairing leaks, and encouraging water conservation.

 

I Heart Tap Water : New & Easy to Find Hydration Stations

I Heart Tap Water promotes education about the health and sustainability benefits of drinking tap water and seeks to make improvements to campus infrastructure by increasing accessibility to water bottle refill stations. Sales of bottled water have decreased by 50% since 2006. Using a 2010 TGIF grant, Capital Projects developed design standards for refill stations, and a new station was installed in Dwinelle Hall. You can now find all refill locations and campus drinking fountains on Googlemaps.

 

Learn More about campus water goals and strategies.

CAMPUS WATER RESOURCES 2005 Sustainable Water Study: Student report on campus water use. The Berkeley Water Center:  Promotes and supports inter-disciplinary water research at UC Berkeley.