A central tenet of our project is the conservation of limited resources that are essential to the prosperity and livelihood of our society and environment; freshwater is at the forefront of such invaluable resources. |
Considering the unknown future consequences climate change and increased population growth may have on freshwater supplies, we must begin to adopt water conservation measures at all levels of use.
We explored four different water conservation methods and their possible integration into University of Houston campus life. In our research, we focused on the leading two users of water in academic institutions - restrooms and landscaping – as well as additional practical solutions such as rainwater harvesting and public awareness through education.
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Implementing water conservation measures on the University of Houston- Main Campus can lead to numerous benefits:
Environmental Impacts
Currently, the City of Houston is no longer able to draw water from underground reservoirs due to soil subsidence. Over-pumping from surface reservoirs such as Lake Conroe and Lake Houston can lead to eutrophication, sedimentation problems and the endangerment of biodiversity. As a large academic institution, the University of Houston could lead efforts with meaningful impact over time.
Economic Impacts
Water savings translate into direct financial savings in energy, water and additional utility payments. Furthermore, savings can be obtained on a local level – potable water requires energy. As we conserve water, less power is utilized for pumping, filtration and treatment.
Societal Impacts
The responsibility for ensuring a sustainable water future lies with the community as a whole; everyone has a role to play. By implementing direct water conservation strategies, the University of Houston simultaneously enacts a campus-wide sustainability initiative that ultimately attracts prospective students and explores the necessity for interdisciplinary approaches to building everyday water conservation habits and public education in sustainability.