Recently, Jessica Wall joined NRDC's Santa Monica office as a Program Assistant with the Water Program after working as a policy intern with San Diego Coastkeeper, where she analyzed the effectiveness and compliance with Water Supply Assessments under California Senate Bill 610.  Water efficiency and conservation can be easily implemented basically everywhere and the NRDC Water Program is particularly interested in these policy solutions in California.

Following is a brief interview with Jessica about her experience in water conservation strategies on college campuses after working for San Diego Coastkeeper and as a Green Campus Intern at UC San Diego for three years, focusing on water conservation and green building practices.

David: What would you say are some of the standard measures being taken by universities, with regard to water conservation and quality?

Jessica:  Nowadays, LEED certified buildings and recycled water irrigation have become the standard for any college campus that wants to call itself sustainable.  From the installation of low-flow showerheads, ultra-efficient washing machines, and waterless urinals to the use of rainwater sensors on athletic fields, universities are saving thousands of gallons while educating students about sustainable practices. 

David:  Are some universities doing more than others when it comes to water?

Jessica:  Yes, some campuses are taking steps to move beyond the basic measures by integrating green infrastructure into campus construction, reducing bottled water use, and embracing activism to reduce their aquatic footprint.

David:  What types of green infrastructure approaches are being adopted?

Jessica:  An increasing number of schools are using low impact development to reduce and capture runoff before it pollutes our nation’s waterways.  Michigan State University and North Carolina State University have green roof research projects, enabling the schools to measure runoff reduction and track propagation success.  University of Mississippi has documented their first on-campus bioswale with an online video to educate others about the swale’s water purification benefits.  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill utilizes cisterns and infiltration beds as well as porous paving to manage its storm water.

David:  How are campuses lessening their dependence on toxic substances for water treatment and the need for potable water for outdoor applications? 

Jessica:  Amherst College, for example, operates a water treatment system in their cooling towers that eliminates the need for chemicals as well as reducing water usage by 15%.  To save potable water, Harvard University uses recycled rainwater water to wash university vehicles.  CSU Chico performed a Campus Irrigation Project to audit and improve their landscape irrigation practices.  Furthermore, Stanford University showcases a Waterwise Demonstration Garden to illustrate the viability of native planting and lawn alternatives.

David:  There has been a lot of press about bottled water lately.  How are schools approaching this issue?

Jessica:  In response to the downstream waste generated by bottle water, numerous colleges have taken a stand against the bottles and have worked to simplify the use of reusable alternatives.  Washington University in St. Louis eliminated sale of bottled water earlier in 2009 over concerns about the environmental impact.  Meanwhile, UC Berkeley installed hydration stations for students to more easily fill reusable bottles on campus.  Additional schools like Williams College have distributed free reusable bottles to freshmen which enable the students to get discounts on beverages in campus eateries.

David:  A lot of this action seems to be coming from the top-down.  What grassroots, bottom-up effort is being taken?

Jessica:  A few schools are using the power of community to make a difference in their approaches to issues of water scarcity and degradation.  For instance, University of Georgia’s water conservation website solicits tips from the community on ways to reduce consumption in response to regional water restrictions. UC San Diego is home to AQUAholics Anonymous, a student group that advocates a 12-step conservation plan and created a Water Awareness Month to highlight issues around water supply and human rights.

David:  What else can be done to expand the impact of the efforts being taken by schools?

Jessica: Colleges are striving to reduce their impact, so now the work is left for policymakers to do the same.  These research projects and practices must be translated into policy so that the benefits in water conservation and treatment can be produced on a larger scale.