Water
While water is usually abundant in the Portland Metro Region, maintaining the health and bounty of the Bull Run Watershed’s rivers, lakes, and streams is an important issue for our local ecosystems. As the climate warms, using less water to prepare and adapt to sporadic droughts will also be necessary.
What PSU is doing:
- Campus Water Conservation Plan developed in 2016.
- We are a Salmon-Safe certified Campus.
- Green Revolving Fund will be used to implement water efficiency projects.
- Campus Storm Water Plan developed in 2005.
- Landscaping practices help reduce pollutants in stormwater. See the Land Use page for more information.
| Feature | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rainwater Harvesting | Academic & Student Recreation Center, Engineering Building, Epler Hall | Reuse captured rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation, conserves potable water |
| Storm Water Planters | 12th & 4th Aves, Montgomery Green Street, Urban Plaza, SRTC, Walk of the Heroines | Slow and filter runoff reducing the rate, quantity, and pollutants before water flows back into the river/watershed |
| Pervious Pavers | Native American Student & Community Center, Biology Research Greenhouses, ASRC 5th floor patio, Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza | Allow storm water to seep into the ground, reducing erosion, helping to filter pollutants, and recharging ground water |
| Bioswales | Helen Gordon, Epler Hall | Contain plants that filter storm water runoff, helping to remove pollutants |
| Green Roofs |
Broadway, Native American Student & Community Center, Blumel Bike Shelter, ASRC Research Projects: SRTC (green roof + solar compatibility), Cramer Hall, Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza |
Enhance the lifespan of a roof, reduce building's storm water runoff, and mitigate rooftop heat loss/maintain cooler temperatures |
| Water Efficient Fixtures | University Place Hotel, Broadway, Epler, Engineering Building | Low flow sinks, toilets, and waterless urinals conserve potable water |
