| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.13 |
| Liaison | Olivia Wiebe |
| Submission Date | Dec. 28, 2023 |
University of Idaho
OP-21: Water Use
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Elmer
Johnson McKinstry McKinstry |
Level of ”Physical Risk Quantity” for the institution’s main campus as indicated by the World Resources Institute Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas:
Total water withdrawal (potable and non-potable combined):
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Total water withdrawal | 237,221,982 Gallons | 316,433,658 Gallons |
Potable water use:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use | 139,765,915 Gallons | 234,628,186 Gallons |
Start and end dates of the performance year and baseline year (or three-year periods):
| Start Date | End Date | |
| Performance Period | July 1, 2022 | June 30, 2023 |
| Baseline Period | Jan. 1, 2005 | Dec. 31, 2005 |
A brief description of when and why the water use baseline was adopted:
The water use baseline, 2005, was adopted as part of the University of Idaho's submission to the American College and University Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and the university's Climate Action Plan published in 2010.
The 2005 Energy Policy Act established conservation goals and objectives for energy and water. UI has been monitoring and actively participating in water conservation since 1955. In 1979, a water reclamation program was initiated with the aim of reducing university dependence on the Palouse Basin Aquifer. UI and the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee are seeking alternative water sources and preserving local water resources for future generations.
Figures needed to determine "Weighted Campus Users":
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Number of students resident on-site | 3,925 | 3,433 |
| Number of employees resident on-site | 16 | 0 |
| Number of other individuals resident on-site | 0 | 250 |
| Total full-time equivalent student enrollment | 9,175 | 8,921.40 |
| Full-time equivalent of employees | 2,313 | 1,883 |
| Full-time equivalent of students enrolled exclusively in distance education | 635.48 | 0 |
| Weighted campus users | 9,124.64 | 9,211.55 |
Potable water use per weighted campus user:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use per weighted campus user | 15,317.42 Gallons | 25,471.09 Gallons |
Percentage reduction in potable water use per weighted campus user from baseline:
Gross floor area of building space:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Gross floor area | 4,394,680 Gross square feet | 4,135,214 Gross square feet |
Potable water use per unit of floor area:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Potable water use per unit of floor area | 31.80 Gallons per square foot | 56.74 Gallons per square foot |
Percentage reduction in potable water use per unit of floor area from baseline:
Area of vegetated grounds:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Vegetated grounds | 12,050 Acres | 468.87 Acres |
Total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds:
| Performance Year | Baseline Year | |
| Total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds | 19,686.47 Gallons per acre | 674,885.70 Gallons per acre |
Percentage reduction in total water withdrawal per unit of vegetated grounds from baseline:
A brief description of the institution's water-related behavior change initiatives:
Sample of water awareness and behavioral initiatives:
The Student Sustainability Cooperative created and disseminated a Stormwater Outreach pamphlet as part of the University’s MS4 permit with the DEQ. The SSC also hosted multiple events where students were invited to come out and label catch basins and learn more about water quality and conservation.
The SSC’s Green Living Guide included information about how to reduce water usage in dorms, apartments, and other living groups on campus.
The University of Idaho has been an active member of the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee (PBAC) since 1976. This multi-jurisdictional committee was established "to ensure a long-term, quality water supply for the Palouse Basin region".
Water-related behavior change initiatives hosted by the Sustainability Center and many partners:
-There is an ongoing effort to install water bottle refill stations in new buildings, remodels, and many retrofits have been funded by student-led grant projects.
-Ongoing effort to plant native plants on campus that require less irrigation
-Student volunteers install educational medallions on campus storm drains to discourage the pouring of harmful liquids directly into the local creek.
-water conservation educational program which includes recommendations, pamphlets, website, best practices, etc.
-Building standards to reduce water use in buildings including low flow fixtures, closed loop heating/cooling water distribution
A brief description of the institution's water recovery and reuse initiatives:
Reclaimed Water Irrigation: Non-potable water comes from the City of Moscow Sewage Treatment Plant and from Aquaculture Labs discharge water. The University of Idaho irrigates over 183 acres with reclaimed, non-potable water. In 2021 alone, the U of I used 93 million gallons of reclaimed water to irrigate our campus. UI also has two building level rainwater recapture systems.
Ongoing initiatives:
-Expand the use of non-potable irrigation water.
-Expand the use of automated irrigation systems, especially with non-potable water, to reduce water consumption.
-Ongoing efforts to improve steam condensate return systems.
A brief description of the institution's initiatives to replace plumbing fixtures, fittings, appliances, equipment, and systems with water-efficient alternatives:
University of Idaho adopted and implemented construction standards for the installation of low flow fixtures on new construction and/or replacement remodels. In addition, we have policies in place which do not allow equipment that requires water for cooling purposes.
Website URL where information about the institution’s water conservation and efficiency efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Elmer Johnson, Water Systems Manager; McKinstry
sources: daily meter readings for the domestic water wells and reclaimed plant from McKinstry
*The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences operates 3 wells on the West Farm. There is no data on water withdrawal from these wells, but it is estimated that they contribute to less than 1% of total campus water withdrawal.
Elmer Johnson, Water Systems Manager; McKinstry
sources: daily meter readings for the domestic water wells and reclaimed plant from McKinstry
*The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences operates 3 wells on the West Farm. There is no data on water withdrawal from these wells, but it is estimated that they contribute to less than 1% of total campus water withdrawal.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.