Truman State’s water policy works to limit our water consumption and to control and utilize available rainwater.
Water Use
Truman State’s Water Risk level has been identified as low, meaning that our water supply has been defined as healthy and plentiful. However, we still feel it is important to continue monitoring our water usage, with meters stationed on each building. As a result, we have implemented water conserving toilets, urinals, and showerheads. We also strictly limit our use of underground sprinkler systems and the sprinkler system at the Towne Museum uses a moisture sensor to prevent unnecessary use.
Click here to see the Utility Dashboard, a resource that allows public access to information about Truman’s energy and utility consumption.
Local Water Ecosystems
One very important water resource on Truman’s campus is Bear Creek. the creek runs along the west side of campus and feeds into several other sources of drinking water in neighboring communities. After an outbreak of E.Coli in the water, students and faculty alike raised concerns about the health of the creek and what our campus could do to improve it. Starting as a student initiative in 2014, the Bear Creek Restoration Project quickly went from an idea to a successful action plan. A coalition, comprised of interested students, and representatives from clubs like P.L.A.N.T.S., ECO, and Beta Beta Beta, sent their plans to the Kirksville Watershed Department and the Student Senate. After passing both boards, the land around the creek was declared a “no mow zone” to reduce pollution. In addition, a water garden was planted on the corner of Patterson and South Franklin to help control water run-off from campus into the creek. Later in the semester, students planted 300 trees along the sides of the creek to help combat soil erosion and increase bio-diversity.
Rainwater Management
Storm water management is required per regulations during construction and renovations on campus. Each project Truman State executes also addresses runoff to prevent flood issues on the South side of campus. The addition of hard surface and/or the renovation of buildings typically involves updating the drainage in the area and replacing inlets or piping. Additionally, Truman has approximately 1,500 square feet of water tolerant flowers and plants in our water garden which helps to combat high risk flooding areas. Retention ponds have also been added in additional parking lots along Bear Creek and the south end of the Natatorium.