Water

Water

Water has astounding physical properties and the ability to shape ecosystems, landscapes and societies. But most important, water is essential to all life. Across Binghamton University's campus, you'll find various initiatives aimed at protecting and conserving this precious resource.

Water Conservation Efforts

  • Water conservation infrastructure. As a campus dedicated to sustainability, we are adamant about conserving our water sources. In order to reach its goals, the University has installed the following infrastructure to reduce water usage. Due to the following efforts, 52 million gallons of water is saved each year across campus.
    • Our Innovative Technologies Complex boasts one of the largest rainwater-harvesting project to date in upstate New York. The system harvests rainwater from University parking lots, building roofs, and other locations and sends it to the tanks where it's stored before being sent to the University's cooling towers (an evaporative type of cooling system) and for sewage purposes. 
    • Binghamton installed low-flow faucets and toilets across campus, put artificial turf in the Bearcats Sports Complex to cut down on the need for irrigation, and is pursuing methods to reduce pool-water evaporation.
      Water meters monitor water use throughout campus and alert staff to any potential problems.
    • The University has installed bottle-filling water fountains and dual-flush toilets to reduce water waste at our Dickinson Community, Newing College & the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center locations.
  • Binghamton University Nature Preserve. Another way Binghamton is protecting New York's valuable water resources is through our Nature Preserve. Part of the Susquehanna River Watershed, the Nature Preserve plays a significant role in improving local and regional water quality. Its wetlands mitigate some of the damaging effects from water pollutants, while wetland and forest areas help reduce erosion.

Water Treatment

  • Binghamton University Wetlands & Bioswales. Binghamton University boasts numerous wetlands and bioswales to help with water retention and filtration. These features can be found all across our different campuses including: next to our University Union, next to parking lot G, as well as around the new Pharmacy School in Johnson City.
  • Nature Preserve. Binghamton University's Nature Preserve is a biodiverse haven that helps keep our local water sources clean and beautiful.