Use Water Wisely
Water is a precious resource - help USF use it wisely. Water conservation and water efficiency are the new norm at USF as we respond to climate change and work toward a more resilient water supply. USF is doing its part by changing landscape and irrigation, investing in more efficient equipment, and encouraging faculty, staff, and students to change how they use water daily.
USF Sustainability Fact
USF reduced water use by 17% in 2015–16. We saved enough water in 2015–16 to fill more than 15 Olympic-size swimming pools.
Our Impact
In 2015–16, USF reduced domestic water use by 13% compared to 2014–15 and reduced irrigation water use by 40% compared to 2014–15.
USF installed five-minute shower timers and water conservation signage campus-wide, reducing domestic water use by more than six million gallons of water in 2015–16 compared to the previous year.
We inventoried water fixtures and installed high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators, reducing USF’s annual domestic water use by at least four million gallons per year.
Call to Action
Report Water Leaks
Anyone of campus can report water leaks to (415) 422-6464.
Install Water-Saving Devices for Free
SFPUC's Water Conservation Section offers all its customers free water saving devices, while supplies last. These water saving devices are simple to install and, while they are small in size, can lead to significant water savings. Together, installing one faucet aerator and one efficient shower head can result in an average of 9,000 gallons per year in savings. To receive free devices, schedule a FREE Water-Wise Evaluation by calling the Water Conservation Section at (415) 551-4730.
Take Shorter Showers
Did you know that reducing your daily shower time by a single minute will save a whopping thousand gallons of water in a year? Installing a shower timer in your bathroom is the easiest way to keep track of your time spent under the water. According to the San Francisco PUC, reducing your shower by just 3 minutes can save about 8 gallons of water.
Harvest Rainwater
Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and using rainwater from hard surfaces such as roofs for landscape irrigation or toilet flushing. A rainwater harvesting system can be as simple as using a small home-made rain barrel.
Water Wise Gardening
Check out this FREE guide with water-efficient landscape and irrigation tips for your next garden project. Topics like soil care, mulch, irrigation scheduling, low water-use plantings, and lawn care ideas are included to help you obtain a beautiful and efficient garden.