Program Overview

Water Sustainability Program

The Water Sustainability program is designed to educate individuals on the importance of water conservation and sustainability. The program requires participants to complete a prerequisite action and two additional actions of their choosing.

Prerequisite Action: Water Footprint Calculator

The Water Footprint Calculator is a website that provides information on the basics of water footprints, water consumption, and helpful tips for saving water. Participants must assess their water footprint by completing the Water Footprint Calculator and write 3-4 sentences about their results and areas for improvement.

Action Options

Participants must choose at least two of the following actions:

• Action 1: Attend a "World Wide Climate Justice Education Week" Event (March 30th - April 4th)
  • Description: The World Wide Climate Justice Education Week is an initiative to mobilize individuals to focus on critical climate justice work and a shared resilient future.
  • Time Commitment: 1 hour + (varies)
  • Required Documentation: Check in at the event and write 3-4 sentences about the event and what was learned.
• Action 2: Attend the Climate Career Exploration Panel (April 2nd)
  • Description: This event is for individuals curious about careers in climate-related fields, featuring professionals working in various climate fields and a Q&A session.
  • Time Commitment: 1 hour+
  • Required Documentation: Check in at the event and write 3-4 sentences about what was learned.
• Action 3: Attend the Sustainability Celebration & Awards (April 16th)
  • Description: The WSU Sustainability team invites individuals to celebrate individual and group sustainability achievements and learn about WSU's current and future sustainability plans.
  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences about something cool learned from the ceremony.
• Action 4: Attend the Earth Day Tree Planting (April 21st)
  • Description: Celebrate Earth Day by planting trees with the Energy & Sustainability Office and WSU Landscaping.
  • Time Commitment: 1 hour + (varies)
  • Required Documentation: Sign in at the event and upload a photo of the tree helped plant.
• Action 5: Call for Action to Rescue the GSL by Contacting Representatives
  • Description: Read the report on emergency measures needed to rescue the Great Salt Lake and contact state and federal representatives to call for action.
  • Time Commitment: 1 hour
  • Required Documentation: Submit a screenshot of the email to the representative.
• Action 6: Learn About and Prevent Stormwater Pollution
  • Description: Learn about stormwater pollution and what can be done to prevent it, including information from Utah State University and the EPA.
  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes
  • Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences about what was learned and at least one change that can be made at home.
• Action 7: Install a Faucet Aerator or a WaterSense Certified Low-Flow Fixture
  • Description: Save water at home by installing a faucet aerator or a WaterSense-certified low-flow fixture.
  • Time Commitment: varies
  • Required Documentation: Upload a photo of what was installed.
• Action 8: Check For and Fix Leaks Around the House
  • Description: Leaks can cause numerous problems, including health issues and water waste; check for and fix leaks around the house.
  • Time Commitment: varies
  • Required Documentation: Take a before and after photo of the leak (if possible).
• Action 9: Take a Landscaping or Water Conservation Class
  • Description: Participate in classes offered through Weber Basin Water Conservancy District and Localscapes on landscape designing, irrigating, gardening, and foodscaping.
  • Time Commitment: 1-3 hours
  • Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences on what class was taken and how what was learned can be implemented.
• Action 10: Purchase Sustainable Cosmetic and Cleaning Products
  • Description: Purchase sustainable cosmetic and cleaning products to protect waterways, learning about the environmental impact of cosmetics and beauty products.
  • Time Commitment: varies
  • Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences on what was learned and identify one beauty product and/or one cleaning product that can be switched out.
• Innovation Action
  • Description: Innovative actions are welcome but require approval before submission.
  • Time Commitment: varies
  • Required Documentation: varies

Additional Resources

• Are You Waterwise?
• DNR- Landscaping Rebates for Grass Removal
• Flip Your Strip
• Kitchen Tips
• Laundry Tips
• Money Saving Guide to Going Green at Home
• Principles for Water-wise Landscaping
• Slow The Flow
• Smart Controller
• Utah Growing Water Smart: The Water-Land Use Integration Guidebook
• Water-wise Plants List
• Water-wise Plans for DIY Home Users
• Weekly Lawn Watering Guide
• WSU Water Conservation