Drinking Water
Washington State University (WSU) Environmental Health and Safety and Facilities Services is responsible for planning, operating, sampling, maintaining, and protecting University owned public drinking water systems and water supply connections.
Drinking Water at WSU
The WSU water system is supplied by groundwater from the Palouse Basin Aquifer. Drinking water is pumped from four wells on campus and distributed to facilities on campus. WSU is proud of our water quality and to ensure it is maintained the system is chlorinated and periodic testing is completed. WSU chlorinates the drinking water daily to prevent microbial contamination. The water is than tested at different locations within the system to ensure the chlorination process has been effective. Similarly periodic samples are taken across campus to verify there are no salts, minerals, metals, or organic compounds that could potential cause deleterious health effects. This sampling is made public annually in the Consumer Confidence Report.
Why is this Important?
Drinking water is in short supply globally,even in the United States. This shortage has also led to concern in water quality because of the need to reuse water and use less than ideal sources. This has brought water conservation and water quality to forefront of many communities planning discussions. While technological advances can assist in reclaiming water and increase efficiency, there is still a need to change habits.
How can you Reduce Water Use?
In most communities drinking water system is the same water used for showers and irrigating landscaping. More and more often water is in short supply so it is important to reduce the amount of water each individual uses. Here are some easy ways to minimize the amount of water you use on a daily basis.
- Shorten the length of your shower.
- Plant native grasses and plants that require minimal irrigation.
- Carry around a reusable water bottle to fill at any water fountains or other safe drinking water sources.
- Install water efficient water faucets and shower heads.
For more information on WSU’s conservation efforts refer to the 2017 Water Use Efficiency Report
For more information go to Environmental Protection Agency or National Resource Defense Council websites.