Pacific Working with Forest Grove to Reduce Water Usage

Drought conditions and water shortages are affecting communities throughout the western U.S. including here in Forest Grove. A chlorine shortage has magnified the problem. Water providers use small amounts of chlorine to disinfect drinking  water as well as treat wastewater. As a result, Pacific is coordinating with the city of Forest Grove to reduce water use.

Beginning Monday, June 20, the university is shutting down the irrigation system on the Forest Grove Campus and will not be watering the lawn or plants for approximately one week. Water will still be available to students on campus in summer housing.

While it is still safe to drink, cook and bathe with water, Pacific encourages students, faculty and staff to do everything they can to conserve water such as taking fewer showers, washing cars and running dishwashers less frequently and postponing new plantings both at home and on campus.

The Oregon Department of Energy offers great advice on ways you can reduce water usage.

For more information about Pacific’s water conservation efforts, please contact Cindy Schuppert, Facilities Management director at schuppec@pacificu.edu. Students in summer housing may contact housing@pacificu.edu.