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Water

Introduction

Water conservation, recycling and reuse, and effective rainwater management practices are important in maintaining and protecting finite groundwater supplies. Likewise, pumping, delivering, and treating water is a major driver of energy consumption, so institutions can help reduce energy use and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy generation by conserving water. Water conservation and effective rainwater and wastewater management also reduce the need for effluent discharge into local surface water supplies, which helps improve the health of local water ecosystems.

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Sustainable Stormwater Management at Old Dominion University: A Low Impact Approach to a Greener Campus Community

  • Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (MA)

Located in an urban setting in Norfolk, Virginia, the 188 acre campus of Old Dominion University is nestled between the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers in the sensitive Chesapeake Bay watershed ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Conserving Potable Water through Stormwater Irrigation

  • Elon University (NC)

As the demand for potable water increases and supply remains constant or diminishes, the need to conserve water is more evident than ever. Elon University is responding to this need ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Progress along the Path of Transdisciplinary Action Research. Experiences and Challenges in the Integration of Engineering and Community Development to Address Water Quality Issues in rural Honduras.

  • University of Vermont (VT)

Sustainable development presents complex, multidimensional issues that require approaches extend well beyond conventional academic disciplines. Bridging disciplinary boundaries is challenging, and sustainable development requires more than interdisciplinarity. It requires integrating ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Furman University's Lake Restoration Project

  • Furman University (SC)

Created in the 1950's, Furman Lake is the visual centerpiece of Furman University. It is a 28 acre impoundment originally used for swimming, boating and fishing. By the 1990 ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Case Study in Water Management at Georgia Tech

  • Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

Georgia's drought brought Atlanta's 5 million population, and Georgia Tech's 23, 500 daily population within 30-60 days of running out of water. The Governor mandated we stop ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Less is More: How Plumbing Products Contribute to Water Conservation

  • Kohler Co. (WI)

As water conservation is becoming an important issue worldwide, the need for plumbing products that preserve water is also increasing. Whether you are specifying plumbing products that meet the criteria ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Mapping the Landscapes of History: the Elwha River as curriculum

  • Peninsula College (WA)

The largest dam removal/river restoration project ever attempted is slated for the Elwha River in rural Washington state. A 1992 Act of Congress guaranteed the removal, following the efforts ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Partnering for Sustainable Stormwater Management on Campus and Beyond

  • University of Georgia (GA)

Sustainability requires working together for a common goal. At universities, effective partnerships can result in improved water quality on campus and beyond. Collaboration between campus departments and innovative town-gown relationships ...

  • Posted Feb. 26, 2016
  • Conference Presentations
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Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

  • George Mason University (VA)

The Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC) is one of the key components of George Mason University’s new Potomac Science Center. PEREC focuses on Potomac River restoration and ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Marine & Environmental Law Institute

  • Dalhousie University (NS)

The Marine & Environmental Law Institute (MELAW), located in the vibrant port city of Halifax, is internationally recognized for excellence in marine and environmental law teaching and research. MELAW is ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Water Law and Policy

  • Texas Tech University (TX)

The Center for Water Law and Policy was created in 2005 in response to the growing need for research into and information about global water issues. It was designed to ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law & Policy

  • Tulane University (LA)

The Tulane Institute on Water Resources and Policy works to foster understanding and development of laws and policies that allow for improved stewardship and sustainable management of water resources through ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Oceans Law and Policy

  • University of Virginia (VA)

The Center for Oceans Law and Policy supports research, education, and discussion on legal and public policy issues relating to the oceans. Through a regular program of conferences, publications, and ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Ocean Energy Technology

  • Florida Atlantic University (FL)

The Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center at Florida Atlantic University seeks to advance the science and technology of recovering energy from the oceans’ renewable resources, with special emphasis on ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Hatfield Marine Science Center

  • Oregon State University (OR)

The Hatfield Marine Science Center advances the mission of Oregon State University and its partner agencies though collaboration and innovation. As OSU’s campus for research, education, and outreach in ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Center for Ocean Solutions

  • Stanford University (CA)

The Center for Ocean Solutions works to solve the major problems facing the ocean and prepares leaders to take on these challenges. The Center values and stewards linkages between the ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Research Centers & Institutes
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Watershed Science Technician AAS Program

  • Lane Community College (OR)

This program trains students for entry"level positions in environmental sustainability careers related to conserving, enhancing, restoring and protecting ecological processes in watersheds (stream drainage basins). Graduates will be able ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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BS in Environmental & Water Resource Economics

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

A degree in Environmental Water Resource and Economics (EWRE) prepares students to assume responsible positions in the management of the world's natural and human resources. Students develop skills through ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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Master of Water Security

  • University of Saskatchewan (SK)

New in 2016, the MWS is a cross-disciplinary, project-based and professional-style program that may be completed in 12 months of full time study. Graduates are prepared to address complex water ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MS in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering

  • Tufts University (MA)

Research in this area focuses on environmental science, as well as engineering and management aspects of water resources. Faculty conduct research in and teach classes on: environmental/water quality engineering ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MS in Water Resource Management

  • California State University, Fresno (CA)

The Master of Science degree in Water Resource Management was developed to meet the growing demand for advanced knowledge in water resources and their use in the urban, industrial, and ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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MS in Water Resources & Environmental Engineering

  • Villanova University (PA)

Villanova's Master of Science in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (MSWREE) program is nationally-recognized for its cutting edge research and collaborative opportunities in the Villanova Center for the Advancement ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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Minor in Water Studies

  • Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)

The Water Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary field of study that provides a holistic, highly interactive program. The curriculum is designed to facilitate water studies education to students from a ...

  • Posted Feb. 25, 2016
  • Academic Programs
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A rainwater system for the University of Washington construction materials laboratory

  • University of Washington, Seattle (WA)

University of Washington Construction Materials Laboratory (CML) is an instruction laboratory where undergraduate students of the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the College of Built Environments (CBE ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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University of California, Santa Barbara Water Action Plan

  • University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)

The University of California, Office of the President, has required that UC campuses prepare a water action plan that defines a strategy for reducing potable water use 20% by 2020 ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Natural Resources for the Public Good: A Student Campaign to End the Sale of Plastic Water Bottles and Fight Water Privatization at the University of California, Santa Cruz

  • University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)

Student campaigns to end the sale of plastic water bottles have grown in popularity in the United States over the past five years. However, most campaigns rely on information dissemination ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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A Plan for the Restoration and Revitalization of East Campus Creek

  • James Madison University (VA)

James Madison University's East Campus Creek, an intermittent tributary of Blacks Run and part of the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed, has become degraded as a result of channel reconstruction ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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H204U: The Culture of Water Consumption at New York University

  • New York University (NY)

While an abundance of information about the negative environmental impacts of bottled water exists, there are few, if any, bottom-up studies of why and how people choose and understand the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Potter Lake Project

  • University of Kansas (KS)

The following report details problems of neglect and eutrophication of a prominent campus lake at the University of Kansas (KU), and proposes sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The reported was generated ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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To the Heights: Sustainability at the University of Puget Sound

  • University of Puget Sound (WA)

In a city with 37 inches of annual rainfall, effective stormwater management in the Tacoma region is essential to a safe water supply and healthy Puget Sound. The effects of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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Survey of LEED Water Efficiency Credits and Strategies in the Southeastern United States

  • University of South Carolina (SC)

Sustainable building design is growing in popularity partly due to the success of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System. LEED is becoming more common in the ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
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The Hidden Economics of Campus Sustainability

  • Colorado State University (CO)

Most of us are familiar with the obvious economic and environmental benefits associated with utility cost avoidance programs. For example, Colorado State University has actively encouraged energy management and water ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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A rainwater system for the University of Washington construction materials laboratory

  • University of Washington, Seattle (WA)

University of Washington Construction Materials Laboratory (CML) is an instruction laboratory where undergraduate students of the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and the College of Built Environments (CBE ...

  • Posted June 12, 2015
  • Case Studies
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The WaterHub at Emory University

  • Emory University (GA)

The WaterHub on Emory's campus is an on-site water recycling system, utilizing natural ecological systems to reclaim wastewater for heating, cooling and toilet flushing. It is the first system ...

  • Posted June 10, 2015
  • Case Studies
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Watershed UGA

  • University of Georgia (GA)

With funding from the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, the University of Georgia (UGA) is leveraging a current town/gown campus stream restoration initiative to create a transformative experience in sustainability ...

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Rainwater Harvesting and Green Wall in LEED Gold building

  • Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)

RVCC has just built the Ray Bateman Center for Student Life and Leadership, which was built to LEED Gold Standards and opened in February 2014. It has a rainwater harvesting ...

  • Posted April 8, 2014
  • Case Studies
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Harnessing Seawater: An Innovative Thermal Exchange HVAC System

  • Southern Maine Community College (ME)
  • Harriman Architects and Engineers (ME)

The installation of a uniquely designed sea water heat exchange system in Casco Bay is an example of innovative technology recently implemented during the renovation of the Lighthouse Building at ...

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Baylor University's Centralized Irrigation System

  • Baylor University (TX)

ARAMARK-Baylor Facility Services maintains all of the facilities and grounds on the Baylor University campus, including all irrigation systems. The former irrigation system for the campus of Baylor University was ...

Innovative Water Reclamation Facility Comes to Emory

  • Emory University (GA)

The Southeastern United States and Atlanta in particular have a challenging water situation. With a rapidly growing population and a comparatively small watershed, measures are needed to better manage our ...

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University of California, Santa Barbara Water Action Plan

  • University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)

The UCSB Water Action Plan (WAP) has three major project goals: determine historical and current campus water use in order to understand water use trends over time, identify and assess ...

  • Posted April 17, 2013
  • Case Studies
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Water Conservation Strategies in LEED Residence Halls

  • Emory University (GA)
  • Ayers Saint Gross (MD)

Emory University's water conservation goals are extensive and not only include reduced potable water use in our buildings but also across campus, effecting uses such as irrigation and physical ...

  • Posted July 24, 2012
  • Case Studies
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Behind the Shower Curtain: How UC Merced Saved a Million Gallons of Water

  • University of California, Merced (CA)

In the fall of 2011, in the agricultural center of California, UC Merced assembled a broad coalition of students, faculty, organizers, and administrators to implement a campus-wide dormitory competition to ...

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One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Green Fish: How URI Saves 40 Million Gallons of Water a Year

  • University of Rhode Island (RI)

Without clean water, the University of Rhode Island's Aquaculture Center can't fulfill its mission to house fish for research. Yet, the center's water source left a large ...

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Energizing the Community for Water Sustainability

  • Stetson University (FL)

The project was designed to energize Stetson students and the broader community around water sustainability on and off campus. Most domestic, agricultural, and industrial water used in Florida originates in ...

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Combining technology and water to conserve irrigation

  • University of Texas at Austin (TX)

The University of Texas at Austin's facilities management initiated a comprehensive program in fall 2007 to develop and implement demand-side water conservation measures. During this project it was determined ...

  • Posted June 29, 2012
  • Case Studies
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One World One Water (OWOW) Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship

  • Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)

Metropolitan State College of Denver is now the home of an exciting new water institution - the One World One Water (OWOW) Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship. (Faculty and ...

  • Posted June 15, 2012
  • Case Studies
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Marcellus Monitoring: Helping communities turn fear into data collection.

  • Dickinson College (PA)

In 2010, the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) set out to develop a community-based monitoring protocol that could help communities answer the question "is my local stream being adversely ...

  • Posted June 24, 2011
  • Case Studies
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Just Tap It: Reducing Bottled Water Consumption at Muhlenberg College

  • Muhlenberg College (PA)

The Just Tap It project at Muhlenberg College successfully reduced bottled water purchases on campus by 95%, by limiting the availability of bottled water at Muhlenberg and encouraging the college ...

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Water Savings Through Non-Traditional Irrigation Control at Western Michigan University

  • Western Michigan University (MI)

Upgrade the campus irrigation controls, moving from stand-alone time clocks to a fully networked and automated control system with a web user interface.

  • Posted June 25, 2010
  • Case Studies
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Water Conservation Makes Cents at Vanderbilt University

  • Vanderbilt University (TN)

VU has retrofitted 492 low-flow faucets, low-flow toilets and waterfree urinals resulting in the savings of ~9.1 million gallons of water and $64,000 annually. Additionally, VU captured nonpotable ...

  • Posted June 21, 2010
  • Case Studies
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.

All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.

OP 21: Water Use

OP 22: Rainwater Management

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Water Partners

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