Water | Office Of Sustainability

Water Resource Campus

California's water supply is facing significant challenges due to rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, and population growth. Most of Southern California's water comes from the Colorado River and reservoirs/aqueducts that are part of the state water project. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is dedicated to being a responsible steward of water today and for the future. San Bernardino and Riverside counties rank among the fastest-growing regions in the state, and our university has experienced sustained growth over the past several years. We are committed to effective rainwater management and conservation practices, leveraging research to inform our decisions regarding water usage.

Rainwater Management

Campus infrastructure and construction projects feature landscaped areas designed to replenish high-quality water to the ground. Bioretention basins and underground storage systems effectively manage rainwater and storm runoff. Some basins filter water directly into the ground, while others are designed to hold water for treatment and purification.

You can identify these features by looking for lower-lying areas with vegetation and rocks at the lowest points. Rainwater and runoff are "cleaned" in the basin as they gradually filter through physical and biological elements. Additionally, you may notice grates that lead to waterways or underground water storage systems.

DID YOU KNOW?

Aquifers are underground spaces between layers of soil that hold water. All drinking water at the Palm Desert Campus is supplied from the Coachella Valley groundwater basin aquifer.

Mulched Landscape

Conservation

Buildings have been equipped with low-flow plumbing fixtures, allowing toilets, urinals, showerheads, and faucets to use significantly less water. At CSUSB, we have also planted beautiful drought-resistant landscapes and applied mulch on both campuses to minimize irrigation needs. Furthermore, half of the water used for irrigation comes from non-potable sources. To further reduce our water demand, we utilize Smart Weather systems and drip irrigation. The campus is actively digitizing water meters and submeters, enabling real-time monitoring and reporting of water usage and leaks.

DID YOU KNOW?

CSUSB has certified landscape water managers, certified landscape irrigation auditors, and several qualified water-efficient landscape professionals within Facilities Management.

Research

California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is home to the Institute for Watershed Resiliency, a vital resource for water policy, science, and history. This institute is available to both students and the public, providing up-to-date information on water that is essential for education, research, and policymaking. Additionally, the Water Resource Institute (WRI) serves as a collaborative platform for businesses, non-profits, and public agencies. It is located on the 4th floor of the Pfau Library and oversees the Salton Sea Archives at the Palm Desert Campus.

Did you know: At the turn of the 20th century, the Colorado River breached a dam, resulting in a flood that created what is now known as the Salton Sea in Imperial Valley. This lake quickly became the largest in California and was bustling with boating activities. Fish were stocked to enhance recreational fishing, and by the mid-20th century, boat marinas and lakeside properties began to attract tourists. Following a series of devastating storms in the 1970s, economic activity in the area began to decline, a trend that worsened during the 2009 recession. Currently, water from the Colorado River is no longer flowing into the Salton Sea, causing the lakebed to become increasingly exposed. This situation has raised concerns about dust storms, which pose public health risks for neighboring communities, particularly for vulnerable populations located far from urban centers.