Corvallis Sustainability Coalition's Three Waters Project

Have you visited the First Alternative Natural Food Co-op South Store lately? If you have, you might have noticed bright mango colored containers surrounding the building. These containers are a part of the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Three Waters Project which will soon be launched into the Corvallis community! The Three Waters Project encourages more efficient […]

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September 9, 2013

Corvallis Sustainability Coalition's Three Waters Project. Look for it around the City of Corvallis as the project expands!

Have you visited the First Alternative Natural Food Co-op South Store lately?

If you have, you might have noticed bright mango colored containers surrounding the building. These containers are a part of the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Three Waters Project which will soon be launched into the Corvallis community! The Three Waters Project encourages more efficient use of tap water and discharge of both storm water and waste water through behavioral changes, low flow technologies, system changes, and alternative water sources. The ultimate goal of the Three Waters Project is to teach community residents and local businesses in the City of Corvallis how to conserve water and increase water efficiency either at home or at work.

These mango-colored rain barrels at the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op South Store act as part of a rain harvesting system for the Co-op. The rain harvesting system supports a rain garden, helps with storm water diversion, and diverts water for watering plants. This demonstration site, which includes the rain harvesting system, rain garden, water use monitoring efforts, and water efficient technologies, provides an example of how a business can reduce 50% of its use of the 3 municipal water systems (tap water, storm water, and waste water) while maintaining its productivity.

Rain water collection barrels before they were installed and painted at the First Alternative Natural Co-op South Store.
Rain water collection barrels before they were installed and painted at the First Alternative Natural Co-op South Store.

Oregon State University’s Student Sustainability Initiative will also be partnering with the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Water Action Team to install a model rain harvesting system at the Student Sustainability Center. Over the next few months, come visit to check out the Center and see the progress on the project!

The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s Water Team is always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in helping the Water Action Team design, install, or promote the Three Water Project contact them.

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CATEGORIES: Corvallis Sustainability Coalition (Town Hall- Past Posts) Student Sustainability Initiative Uncategorized Water