TAKING a shower is one of the most relaxing periods of the day. It's a time where we immerse ourselves in water and carefree thoughts. But often times, we drown ourselves with superfluous water use.
After a severe drought in 2003, the University responded by significantly bolstering its water conservation efforts. Washing machines, notorious for heavy water consumption, have all been replaced with water-saving models throughout all dormitories. And metering systems implemented all over Grounds allow Facilities Management to identify and repair leaks thus conserving water. Unfortunately, students undermine the benefits conferred by these improvements through unchecked, irresponsible and excessive use of water.
In 2006, the University consumed a whopping 458 gallons of water costing $1.1 million according to Paul Crumpler, energy program manager for the Facilities Management Department -- roughly a fifth of which was used within student housing.
Without any regulations, students thoughtlessly use water. I first noticed this when someone who lives in my apartment showered for nearly two hours. In an effort to reduce such uneconomical water usage, low flow plumbing fixtures were installed into all University housing. Unfortunately though, these devices fall short of effectively mitigating water overuse. It does no good to have devices restricting water flow if students can easily leave a faucet running indefinitely or take a two hour shower -- especially since they don't have to worry about paying for the water.
Nor are there parents to reproach us for using far too much water. In fact, I too have been guilty of using too much water. I once accidentally froze a bottle of water and in my impatience I heated the water under a constant flow of water for a few minutes. Had any of parents seen me do something so asinine they would have banned me from using plumbing in the house. But since there's no one to complain here, few measures are in the way of wasting water. And surely, I'm not the only one who's committed an equally wasteful (or worse) act. In the end, exorbitant water usage in college could lead to the same bad habits outside of college.
While discussing measures students could take to lower water usage, Crumpler mentioned that he doesn't "know of any other way to regulate water consumption other than education." He pointed to student-led initiatives such as information campaigns disseminating tips on how students can save more water. And like others, he advocated common sense.
It's obvious however that common sense has its limits. With irresponsible water use there needs to be better water regulation. One of the obvious solutions would be to make students pay for their water utilities. The problem, though, is that uniform housing costs make University housing more attractive compared to off-Grounds housing. For that reason, the University considers this solution infeasible. Alternatively, Facilities Management could implement better water control mechanisms within plumbing fixtures. Sensor activated faucet systems that limit the amount of time a faucet runs can potentially limit water usage. Although installing this technology is expensive, it will save money in the long-run. Lower utility costs could also drive down overall housing costs.
Crumpler expressed concern that "electronic-eye" faucets typically malfunction and "generally require more maintenance." Still his worry doesn't change the fact that we are in need of reliable water control mechanisms in all housing areas. Perhaps through a consolidated effort with engineering students and the Facilities Management Department, a new method of water control in housing can be developed and adopted throughout University housing.
With so many of our daily activities affecting our environment, universities shouldn't provide a learning enrivonment only in classrooms, but also in the places we live. While teachers show us how to become responsible citizens, it's the University's goal to help us become better adults. And part of becoming a better adult is nurturing a sense of responsibility -- including responsible water use.
As fresh water becomes increasingly scarce, it's time we students started reflecting that awareness more actively. Otherwise, the University needs to give us a push.
Charles Lee's column appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at clee@cavalierdaily.com.
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