U.Va. Begins Water Conservation Efforts/Supports Voluntary Community Cutbacks

August 11, 1999 -- The University of Virginia plans to work closely with the city and county in their efforts to conserve water as the area faces drought conditions. Leonard W. Sandridge, vice president and chief financial officer, announced today a number of voluntary measures that the University will take.

"We have been watching the weather situation closely, and as a significant water consumer in the community, it is our responsibility to begin taking steps to conserve water on Grounds," Sandridge said. "We have asked key individuals here at the University who have direct responsibility for our water consumption to work together in guiding our conservation efforts." They will be asked to monitor daily consumption, communicate water-saving methods to all University employees, and prepare to implement more stringent guidelines if conditions worsen.

Among the steps already in place:

• Miser shower heads, low-flow toilets, and other water-conserving devices have been installed as a matter of University policy;
• Irrigation throughout the University -- including all athletic fields and on central and North Grounds -- has been reduced significantly or suspended entirely;
• Vehicle washing has been reduced to an as-needed basis;
• Contigency plans are being implemented in the housing division in preparation for the beginning of the school year; and
• University managers who influence and control water usage have been encouraged to begin immediate cutbacks.

While the University uses approximately 60 million gallons of water a month, much of it is for the Hospital, clinics, and medical and other research.

August is a low consumption month due to vacation schedules, but we must prepare for the peak times ahead when our students return, Sandridge said. "We will continue to work closely with the city and the county on this crucial community-wide effort."

Contact: Carol Wood, (804) 924-6189.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: please contact the Office of University Relations at (804) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.
SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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