California Schools Urged to Conserve Water
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Jerry Brown has asked schools across the state to take immediate action in reducing water consumption. The request comes on the heels of Brown’s announcement of a $687 million drought relief package that provides funding for a number of water conservation initiatives.
“California is experiencing the worst drought in our state’s history and Gov. Brown is asking every Californian to take extra steps to use water wisely,” said state architect Chester A. Widom, FAIA in a letter to district officials. “I am asking school districts to lead by example in water conservation and water efficiency efforts, wherever possible.”
"There’s many ways we can better use the water we have," Gov. Brown added at a Feb. 20 news conference near Sacramento. "You can’t manufacture water."
California operates approximately 11,000 school facilities across the state in roughly 1,200 districts. A water conservation best practices manual developed by the California Department of General Services and the Department of Water Resources has been provided to each in hopes of reducing consumption. Tips include conducting regular leak detection checks on restroom facilities, running laundry and dishwashing units only when full, adjusting irrigation schedules, and designating a water management coordinator to track water use and implement best management practices.
The Division of the State Architect (DSA), which oversees design and construction oversight for K–12 schools and community colleges, has also provided school districts with a water conservation report card developed by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools.
In response, many California schools have already stepped up their water conservation efforts. In May 2013, California State University Northridge’s Institute for Sustainability finalized a 10-year plan that included reducing water consumption by 15 percent. Already the school has integrated xeriscaping, drought-tolerant plants, and water saving faucets and showerheads.
“The campus is very aware of the water situation,” said Helen Cox, Green Core Team chair for the Institute for Sustainability in a recent interview with the Daily Sundial.
Meanwhile the Corona-Norco Unified School District has integrated synthetic turf cut water use. According to the statement by the school, “CNUSD is dedicated to doing its part and finding new ways to conserve water as water levels in the State of California are getting lower everyday.”
Stanford University has even sponsored the school’s 1st Annual Water Efficiency & Innovation Film Competition to relate water efficiency to the Stanford community and campus life. Additionally, students can access conservation tips and a water footprint calculator on the university website.
Gov. Brown’s Emergency Drought Declaration and a complete list of best practices for water conservation can be viewed at http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/Home/water.aspx.