Water Conservation & Quality

Over the past several years, NC has experienced significant drought conditions in many areas of the state.  In response to the severe droughts several state laws and executive orders were enacted dealing with water use including Executive Order 26, charging state agencies to develop and implement long-term conservation measures, HB 1215 (Session Law 2002-167) establishing a goal to reduce water consumption in state agencies by at least 10 percent and  Executive Order 156’s broader objective to “promote all state agencies to maximize their efforts to develop and implement environmentally sustainable policies and practices.”

In 2008, when the City of Raleigh implemented water restrictions, our university went a step further in implementing more stringent restrictions than the city. NC State Office of Energy Management is tasked with monitoring usage and overseeing water conservation projects on campus. In addition to implementing projects to ensure water conservation, NC State is partnering with organizations to improve water quality and offering water conservation outreach across the state.

NCSU initiatives
Aspen Design Challenge - NCSU Department of Graphic Design participation
Building Maintenance & Operations water conservation

Dealing with the drought - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Fleet Services' car wash recycles 85% of its water and restricts the number of washes per car
NCSU Stream Restoration Program
NCSU Water Quality Group
North Creek Restoration
Office of Energy Management - water conservation
Rainwater & condensate catchment and reuse in maintaining NC State grounds
Rocky Branch Creek restoration
Stormwater Engineering Group
Stormwater Management Program
University Dining - limited use of trays, faucet aerators and service of water at catering events only upon request
University Housing - high-efficiency washing machines, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, low flow toilets and high efficiency flush valves
Water Conservation Challenge with UNC
Watershed Education Network - NC Cooperative Extension

Related links