The Associated Student Government looks to crack down on water conservation this fall, as they push for the expansion of hydration stations across campus.
The student senate has requested that City College officials place more stations on campus to decrease not only water usage, but also plastic bottle debris. The members would also like to spread awareness about the severity of the drought in hopes to keep the campus and students more water conscious.
“It’s the worst drought in California after almost half a century,” said Senator Matthew Marino. “I feel we as the student senate should be doing something about it.”
Hydration stations are water saving fountains that are used to refill bottles. The campus currently holds four hydration stations in the Interdisciplinary Center, Luria Library, Campus Center and the Student Services Building. However, senators hope to provide a wider range of stations in the East Campus Classrooms for those who are in more secluded areas.
The expansion of hydration stations across campus would make getting chilled water more accessible and easier for students, said President Isaac Eaves.
He explained that they not only keep students cool and save water, but encourage students to bring reusable bottles, decreasing the use of plastic on campus.
“The campus has saved over a quarter million water bottles,” said Nicholas Steil, region VI participatory governance and policy senator.
Senators have agreed that the campus is already doing an excellent job at conserving water.
“We actually just won an award,” said Dr. Ben Partee, dean of education and advisor, and referred to City College taking the Water Hero Award for the year of 2014.
The additional hydration stations would not only conserve water and limit plastic waste but they are also accessible and convenient for students.
“Having more of the stations will be nothing but positive,” Eaves said.
The senators are also planning some on-campus campaigning to discuss with students how serious the drought is and what they can do to help.
“The key is to implore people to really understand how the drought is impacting them,” said Marino.
He added that he would also like to educate and raise awareness to students on how to help with conserving water.
“It’s a lifestyle change,” Marino admits. “Getting the message out there about water conservation is just really important.”
Partee said that he feels proud of the campus for already doing a great job at conserving water. The campus lawns might not be as lush but “brown is the new green,” he declared.
