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.
Landscaping Impacts Water Use
Landscaping practices help reduce pollutants in stormwater, to learn more visit out land use page.
Stormwater Management & Water Conservation Features
Rainwater Harvesting
Reuse captured rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation, conserves potable water
Where: Academic & Student Recreation Center, Engineering Building, Epler Hall
Stormwater Planters
Slow and filter runoff reducing the rate, quantity, and pollutants before water flows back into the river/watershed
Where: 12th & 4th Aves, Montgomery Green Street, Urban Plaza, SRTC, Walk of the Heroines
Pervious Pavers
Allow storm water to seep into the ground, reducing erosion, helping to filter pollutants, and recharging ground water
Where:Native American Student & Community Center, Biology Research Greenhouses, ASRC 5th floor patio, Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza
Bioswales
Contain plants that filter storm water runoff, helping to remove pollutants
Where: Helen Gordon, Epler Hall
Green Roofs
Enhance the lifespan of a roof, reduce building's storm water runoff, and mitigate rooftop heat loss/maintain cooler temperatures
Where: Broadway, Native American Student & Community Center, Blumel Bike Shelter, ASRC
Research Projects: SRTC (green roof + solar compatibility), Cramer Hall, Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza
Water Efficient Fixtures
Low flow sinks, toilets, and waterless urinals conserve potable water
Where: University Place Hotel, Broadway, Epler, Engineering Building
Sustainable Drinking Water
The Sustainable Drinking Water Task Force, appointed by PSU President Wiewel, convened student and staff partners to collaboratively identify means of reducing bottled water consumption on campus. View the task force report and recommendations. Stakeholders continue to meet and implement recommendations.
Why it Matters
Bottled water is significantly more expensive than tap water, and is energy intensive in production, transportation, and disposal. The main environmental impacts of bottled water are associated with the production of the bottles' plastic resin, and the waste those bottles become.
What You Can Do
Reusable Cups & Bottles
Portland'sTap Water is some of the best in the world. PSU also has several hydration locations for filling reusable water bottles, as well as a mobile outdoor refill station, the H2GO!
>> View map of refill locations.
>> Contact greencampus@pdx.edu to borrow the H2GO
Get Involved
The Take Back the Tap campaign for colleges and universities encourages consumption of tap water over bottled water.
Get Educated
For more information about the costs of bottled water, check out this great video from Story of Stuff Project.