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Energy Management

Water Management

Water is an essential resource that supports every aspect of campus life, from classrooms and residence halls to research laboratories and landscape irrigation. NC State is committed to managing water responsibly by improving efficiency, reducing potable water demand and preparing for future challenges such as water shortages.

Through infrastructure improvements, sustainable operations and individual conservation efforts, NC State continues to reduce water use while supporting a growing campus.

NC State’s goal is to reduce campus water consumption by 65% from the FY 2002 baseline.

55%

of potable water consumption has been reduced on campus compared to the FY 2002 baseline.

Our Approach

NC State strives to conserve, appropriately use and protect the quality and quantity of water resources through:

  • Expanding Water Reuse: Increase the use of the City of Raleigh’s reclaimed water system for cooling towers, landscape irrigation and toilet flushing to reduce potable water demand and strengthen drought resilience.
  • Improving Campus Infrastructure: Update campus design standards and guidelines to incorporate water-efficiency best practices into new construction and renovation projects.
  • Managing Water Strategically: Develop and maintain a campus water management plan to monitor water use, engage campus stakeholders and identify conservation opportunities
  • Encouraging Water Conservation: Promote sustainable habits, like taking shorter showers, reporting leaks and using water efficiently, to complement infrastructure investments and foster a culture of conservation.

Explore our progress and view the NC State Energy and Water Report.

Water Shortage Response Plan

Because NC State receives both potable and nonpotable water from the City of Raleigh water systems, drought declarations and associated water use restrictions issued by the City apply to university operations.

These measures are intended to support community-wide conservation efforts while maintaining critical University operations and protecting public health and safety.

The University’s Water Shortage Response Plan outlines how campus operations respond to water shortage conditions while protecting essential teaching, research, public service and campus activities.

The three water shortage phases are:

  • Stage 1 – Water Shortage Warning: Voluntary and mandatory conservation measures are implemented to reduce discretionary water use and increase awareness of drought conditions.
  • Stage 2 – Significant Water Shortage: Additional restrictions are implemented to achieve substantial reductions in water consumption and eliminate non-essential water uses.
  • Stage 3 – Emergency Water Shortage: Emergency conservation measures are implemented to preserve water supplies for essential uses and maintain critical operations.

How You Can Help

While many campus conservation efforts occur behind the scenes, everyone can help reduce water use through simple everyday actions.

At Home or in Your Residence Hall
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
  • Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
  • Report leaks promptly.
At Work
  • Use only the water necessary to complete tasks.
  • Report leaking fixtures or irrigation systems to Facilities Customer Service.
  • Look for opportunities to reduce water use in your workspace or lab.
Outdoors
  • Follow irrigation restrictions during water shortage conditions.
  • Help identify broken irrigation equipment or water waste.
  • Support water-wise landscaping practices.