Water Conservation

Water conservation is an important part of NIU’s sustainability efforts. By employing sustainable water practices and educating people about their benefits, the university can help protect this vital resource.

Goals and Actions

The university’s water-related sustainability goals focus on assessing current use and opportunities for improvement, as well as raising awareness of water conservation. NIU will work toward these goals by:

  • Evaluating water usage on campus and streamlining water data management to better identify conservation opportunities
  • Reducing water consumption on campus by replacing existing plumbing equipment with WaterSense or Energy Star products
  • Developing a campus stormwater management policy and plan
  • Identifying areas of campus for the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and natural wastewater treatment systems
  • Engaging students and the community in water conservation education and research

H2O-to-Go Hydration Stations

Several “H2O-to-Go” hydration stations are located throughout campus. The stations provide convenient access to high-quality, filtered water for refilling reusable water bottles, offering a more sustainable alternative to disposable water bottles.