College Station, Texas — September 21, 2009 — Texas A&M University (TAMU) has an outstanding record of accomplishment in recent years in the area of water conservation. Over the past eighteen years, TAMU has implemented a number of significant water conservation initiatives and water system improvements to ensure University water needs are met in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. These conservation efforts and operational improvements have resulted in huge reductions in the amount of water required to operate and maintain the 21.5 million Gross Square Foot (GSF) campus. (see chart below)

Over the eighteen year period from 1991 through August 2009, TAMU has reduced total annual water consumption 50% - from a peak of 3,500 million gallons in 1991 to 1,750 million gallons in 2008/2009. This reduction was accomplished while serving a campus that has experienced a growth of 43% in square footage served (from 15 million GSF in 1991 to 21.5 million GSF in 2009). This 50% decrease in overall water consumption with a 43% increase in campus square footage represents a 65% reduction in consumption per GSF!! This result has been accomplished by implementing 1) improved utility plant operation and water treatment to reduce water consumption required to provide electrical power, cooling and heating for campus, 2) improved automation and management of campus irrigation systems, 3) improved standards for building plumbing fixtures, 4) LEED certification standards for major new buildings, and 5) improved education and promotion to raise awareness of energy and water conservation.

The domestic water system on the TAMU campus is operated and maintained by Physical Plant - Utilities & Energy Management and is rated as a Superior water system by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Water rates at TAMU are also some of the lowest in the State of Texas at a cost to customers of $1.57 per thousand gallons. The UEM mission to ensure high reliability of utility services and environmental stewardship, while reducing utility rates and consumption, supports the TAMU mission of excellence in teaching and research.

For more information, press only:

(Jenny Nelson), (979-458-2792), ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )