The average person in the U.S. uses anywhere between 80 and 100 gallons a day, and Columbia Gorge Community College [where I now work] is no exception. The college used an average of 1,880 gallons a day for irrigation, drinking water, and sanitation purposes at the Hood River campus last year – and the college is working to set a better example. “Reducing water usage on campus is a good idea,” said Jules Burton, Environmental Science faculty at the college. “Such measures can help the college save money and conserve water supplies from three groundwater springs that serve the entire city.”

Her class took on the task of understanding current water usage at the college by conducting a School Water Audit. This type of audit is a recognized standard for analyzing water sources, compiling water uses, and identifying ways to save water. There are many types of School Water Audit formats available, but the class one called Be Water Wise created by the National Environmental Education Foundation.

The class conducted the audit at the Hood River – Indian Creek Campus, and it took two days to complete. The class evaluated indoor and outdoor water usage. Students tallied water bills, identified leaky faucets, measured sink and toilet water flow, counted spigots, and reviewed the entire irrigation system. They drafted a detailed report that identified possible water problems, and they suggested ways to save water.

“Some interesting findings are found in the summary document,” Burton reports. “The students identified ways to save water by irrigating the native trees and shrubs less and using a targeted watering scheme. They also suggested using more efficient aerators on all showerheads, sinks, and spigots at the college. One of their major goals is to ensure the college meets the EPA efficiency standards for water use, and they identified simple measures to help us meet this goal.”

The college’s Green Team – an advisory group of college staff and faculty – is now reviewing this School Water Audit information and will work to implement suggestions at the Hood River campus. Jules Burton and her Environmental Science class will be conducting another School Water Audit on The Dalles campus this spring, and the Green Team enthusiastically supports their efforts.

This green initiative is summarized with a slightly-updated quote from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed [students] can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

It always strikes me how a small but creative idea can spread spurring people around it to see the world in a new way. Or its ability to influence individuals to engage in positive change. Word Above the Street is one such idea.

Mary Jordan wants to “draw attention to Water as a precious resource by transforming 300 rooftop water tanks in New York City into works of art”. These works of art will focus on bringing awareness to water scarcity and water sanctity around the world. Professional artists, emergent artists, and youth have been asked to submit art ideas for the tanks.

Photo Courtesy: Word Above The Street

Positive effects of this social art project will be far-reaching. Over 8.4 million NYC residents, 5 million tourists, and millions of virtual visitors will be able to see the exhibition during the summer of 2012. This may be the first time many of these people have thought about water as an important issue, and this project may inspire others to further create positive change. Right on, Word Above the Street!

Portland, Oregon is a hotbed of ecosystem restoration in a highly urban area. Today, I am attending the 2011 Urban Ecology and Conservation Symposium at Portland State University. For the first time, I am tweeting from a conference with a focus on topics related to watersheds. Keep an eye on my twitter for updates. This conference is hosted by the Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium of Portland/Vancouver.

“The mission of the UERC is to advance the state of the science of urban ecosystems and improve our understanding of them, with a focus on the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan region, by fostering communication and collaboration among researchers, managers and citizens at academic institutions, public agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, and other interested groups.”

It always strikes me to see how a small but creative idea can spread spurring those around it to see the world in a new way. Or its ability to influence individuals to engage in positive change. Word Above the Street (The Water Tank Project) is one such idea.

Mary Jordan wants to “draw attention to Water as a precious resource by transforming 300 rooftop water tanks in New York City into works of art”. These works of art will focus on bringing awareness to water scarcity and water sanctity around the world. Professional artists, emergent artists, and youth have been asked to submit art ideas for the tanks.

Photo Courtesy: Word Above The Street

Positive effects of this social art project will be far-reaching. Over 8.4 million NYC residents, 5 million tourists, and millions of virtual visitors will be able to see the exhibition during the summer of 2012. This may be the first time many of these people have thought about water as an important issue, and – likely – this project may inspire others to further create positive change. Right on, Word Above the Street!

Portland, OR is a hotbed of restoration activities in a highly urban area. Yes, restoration of natural environments can take place in a degraded and lived-in habitat (the big city). Today, I’m attending the 2011 Urban Ecology and Conservation Symposium at Portland State University.

For the first time, I – Water for the Ages – am tweeting from a conference with a focus on topics related to watersheds. Keep on eye on my twitter for updates. This conference is hosted by the Urban Ecosystem Research Consortium of Portland/Vancouver.

“The mission of the UERC is to advance the state of the science of urban ecosystems and improve our understanding of them, with a focus on the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan region, by fostering communication and collaboration among researchers, managers and citizens at academic institutions, public agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, and other interested groups.”