The Reduce, Reuse and Recycling mantra is generally associated with paper and plastic goods, but this green practice also applies to water use. It is important that we ensure availability for future generations by keeping the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem below its natural replacement rate. It also reduces the use of energy needed for water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities. Also, minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build new dams and other water diversion infrastructure.

For its part, Wofford has begun to install low-flow shower heads, which can reduce shower water use by 20 to 60 percent, as well as low-flow flush valves on toilets, which only use about half the water of old-style toilets.

Wofford also monitors irrigation, weather and rainfall to determine appropriate water schedule and installs flow meters to identify line breaks and shut off irrigation so water is not wasted.

Wofford also asks students and faculty to follow these simple tips:

1. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

2. Fill the basin while shaving instead of leaving the tap on.

3. Check your pipes and water equipment for leaks, which can waste thousands of gallons of water a year.

4. Fill your sink to wash and rinse dishes, instead of running the water.

5. Sweep, rather than spraying down, your driveway and sidewalk.

6. Landscape your property using native plants appropriate to your climate so that they won't require excessive watering and will retain soil moisture.