Chapman unveils new water conservation plans

Chapman will continue to expand water conservation efforts for the school year ahead. Unsplash

Over the past few weeks, subtle changes have been popping up around campus regarding several water reducing strategies. 

Some areas throughout campus are blocked off with yellow tape, signs that state drought tolerant landscaping is in the process of being created.

In an email last month from Harold Hewitt, Chapman University’s chief operating officer, he said more programs and efforts to save water would be coming such as drip sprinklers and drought tolerant plants.

Chapman has been utilizing water conservation habits since 2014, when the city of Orange announced water restrictions to address ongoing drought conditions. 

One of the main ways Chapman plans to save water is by switching from standard sprinklers to a drip irrigation system, which will result in the water being transported directly to the roots of the plants instead of watering only the top. 

In order to see who can reduce water usage the most, a competition called the Ecolympics will be held in October between the on-campus dorms. The winning hall residents will each win a gift card prize.

Another way that Chapman plans to reduce water use is by replacing greenery with artificial turf and drought-tolerant landscaping. Jenny Kaufman, the energy conservation and sustainability manager at Chapman, has been a main player in creating many of the new water-saving changes on campus.

“With an increased presence of drought-tolerant plants on campus, (students will) begin seeing a change in the overall landscape,” Kaufman wrote to The Panther in an email. “(Students) won’t see as much traditional, green grass as (they’re) used to seeing around Chapman, but try to keep an open mind and be receptive. We’re introducing flora that is more compatible with the Southern California climate and making change for the better.”

Jack Kaloust, a senior applied human physiology major and the co-president of the Orange County Association of Environmental Professionals (OCAEP) at Chapman, told The Panther about the university’s water conservation efforts. 

“I think Chapman is on the right track, but is not being aggressive enough,” Kaloust said. 

Kaloust mentioned that many of the appliances and bathrooms on campus are outdated and could be more water-conscious.

“Though the upfront costs may be a little high, the renovated appliances and bathrooms will make Chapman more appealing and welcoming and will ultimately save money and water in the years to come,” Kaloust said.

Sydney Picard, a sophomore integrated educational studies major, is currently a member of Mission Environment, another club on campus that is dedicated to the environment.

“I think the best measure that Chapman has taken for water conservation has been replacing current landscaping with drought resistant plants,” Picard said. “This is a huge step that Chapman has taken in reducing its immediate impact, and I hope this project sets a precedent for future decisions regarding our ecological footprint as an institution.”