Implementing water conservation education for university campus facilities and grounds managers.

A workshop was held to assist Georgia's public universities to reduce water use. The workshop targeted university campus facilities and grounds managers. University water use ranges from outdoor irrigation of ornamental displays and sports fields, to housing facilities, to complex laboratory systems. Extension specialists worked with the Department of Natural Resources and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to develop workshop content and identify potential attendees. The workshop emphasized the use of the water audits as a planning tool and case studies. Introduction The drought of 2007-2008 underscored the need to create a culture of water conservation in Georgia. Though the state receives average annual precipitation of 51 inches (Southeast Regional Climate Center, 2002), recent population growth has stressed the state's water resources. Georgia's population continues to grow; three counties are on the list of fastest growing counties in the United States (Bernstein, 2008). In 2003, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sponsored a study of attitudes and perceptions of Georgia citizens to water conservation (Responsive Management, 2003). The study found that Georgia citizens expect state agencies to take a lead in water conservation and they felt discouraged when they perceived water waste in public facilities. In 2006, the Georgia DNR initiated a program to educate and encourage citizens to conserve water. One component of the program focused on having public universities demonstrate leadership in water conservation. Public universities were targeted because of their pivotal role in education and high visibility. Implementing Water Conservation Education for University Campus Facilities and Grounds Managers 08/24/09 08:28:37