Water Efficiency at Stanford
Stanford has an extensive history of effective water conservation efforts, and in the face of recent and ongoing droughts has expanded its sustainable water practices by managing available resources to meet its needs, while preserving ecological systems and vital resources for future generations.
Report Leaks
A simple way that you can contribute to water efficiency on campus is to report any leaks that you see.
If you notice leaks in your building or on campus, call the 24-Hour Maintenance Customer Service line at 650-723-2281
Students can report leaks inside their dorms using R&DE's Fix-It Request Form
Water Conservation, Reuse, and Recycling Master Plan
In 2001, the Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure group developed a Water Conservation, Reuse, and Recycling Master Plan (the "Plan") to identify strategies for maintaining water demand below the current San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Stanford allocation of 3.033 million gallons per day (mgd). The Plan analyzed historical water usage and projected future demands, outlining key areas of domestic water use on campus. It also highlighted 14 specific measures for water conservation, reuse, and recycling, emphasizing the importance of systematic assessment and evaluating the potential cost-effectiveness of these strategies. The successes of Stanford's Water Conservation and Efficiency Program and a completion of the identified measures are demonstrated by decreased domestic water use from 2.6 mgd in 2001 to 1.6 mgd in 2025, even with over 4 million square feet of campus facilities added.
Stanford is dedicated to conserving our essential water resources and promoting a resilient future. Moving forward, the Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure group is developing a Sustainable Water Management Plan to safeguard our water supply, protect ecosystems, evaluate alternative sources, optimize water use, and improve efficiency.
If you would like a copy of the Plan, please contact the Water Planning & Stewardship team.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
In accordance with Senate Bill 552, the Water Resources and Civil Infrastructure group has prepared a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) to document guidelines and recommended actions that could be taken in the event of a short-term, long-term, or emergency water shortage. As in previous droughts, each specific event will require a tailored response with some or all the recommended actions. The full WSCP can be viewed here:
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Working with Customers
To promote and facilitate water efficiency, the Water Planning & Stewardship team actively works with its customers to identify opportunities for conservation, and researches and tests new technology to determine applicability for campus use, such as water efficient fixtures, landscaping irrigation equipment, and building and research equipment.