Think Green
Filtered Water on Campus
Filtered water is flowing through a growing number of drinking fountains on the Upstate campus.
Physical Plant crews have been installing new water stations that deliver filtered water from a standard drinking spout and a vertical "gooseneck" element for filling reusable bottles.
The new units are being installed in 10 buildings that previously did not have filtered water. University Hospital, the Weiskotten Hall Addition and the Gamma Knife Center already have filtered water.
"In various locations around campus we are trying to provide sources of water equal to what is supplied by bottled water," said Gary Kittell, Physical Plant director. "The intent is to have water fountains with appropriate filtering systems in a limited number of locations in each campus building, to demonstrate their effectiveness and test customer satisfaction."
The filtered water stations are identifiable by their distinctive gooseneck feature and by signs sporting the Upstate "Think Green" logo.
If the new filtered water stations prove to be popular, additional units may be installed in various buildings, Kittell said.
A sophisticated filtration system has been in place for many years in University Hospital and was updated in 2004. The Weiskotten Hall Addition's existing filtration system was improved that year as well. The Gamma Knife Center has had filtered water since it opened in 1998.
Each new water station contains a carbon filter that reduces or removes odors and contaminants, and meets national standards for health and aesthetics.
The water stations are part of the Upstate "Think Green" sustainability initiative, and help to support compliance with the Governor's Executive Order to halt the purchase of bottled water with state funds.
Filtered Water Locations and Standards >
Upstate's initiative to eliminate the use of bottled water to save money and reduce waste across the campus was recently highlighted in a syracuse.com article.
Check it out >.