Water Conservation

The campus has installed over 50 waterless urinals to date, each of which saves between 20,000 and 50,000 gallons of water. UCSB has also begun to install dual-flush toilets and “upper cuts”, which are very cost-effective retrofits to make regular toilets into dual flush, which save at least a half gallon of water for every “#1” flush. The campus has also implemented the use of reclaimed water for irrigation, and currently the campus irrigates 93% of the campus with reclaimed water. All of these projects contribute to water conservation, as well as obtaining LEED credits.

Water conservation is incredibly important. Though we tend to think otherwise, Southern California is essentially a desert. With the combined impact of global climate change and population growth, we will become increasingly dependent on scarce water resources. UCSB seeks to rethink the way we use water through increased efficiency, the continued and expanded use of reclaimed water, use of xerophytic and native landscaping, and implementing innovative on-site reuse and recycling practices. Click here for the Waterless Urinal Cost Benefits Analysis.

Photo: Waterless Urinals