---

News Release

Last modified: Thursday, September 27, 2012

Million Gallon Challenge competition saves 7,346,565 gallons in first three weeks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 27, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University Bloomington's Million Gallon Challenge saved 7,346,565 gallons of water in its first three weeks -- equivalent to over 1,400 tanker trucks full of water, which would be a caravan stretching over 8.4 miles.

The campus launched its first Million Gallon Challenge on Sept. 1 to raise awareness of the City of Bloomington's emergency water restriction order and reduce water usage on campus. Although the water restriction order was lifted Sept. 12, the city is requesting Bloomington residents continue to conserve water voluntarily. IU Bloomington will continue its water conservation efforts, including the Million Gallon Challenge, which is scheduled to end Sept. 30.

"IU students, faculty and staff continue to demonstrate responsible stewardship of water resources," said Bill Brown, director of sustainability. "We are particularly pleased that our newest citizens in the residence halls are leading the way."

Eigenmann, Briscoe and McNutt residence halls have decreased their usage by at least 10 percent compared to the same period in September 2011. Campus View Apartments leads all units, reducing its usage by almost 20 percent.

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Student Recreational Sports Center, Cyclotron and Geological Sciences/Geologic Survey buildings have all reduced their water consumption by about 10 percent. Athletics is also about 10 percent below last year's usage.

The Office of Sustainability created additional resources for instructors interested in encouraging energy and water conservation during class, available through their Conservation in the Classroom website. Here instructors can download posters, informational emails and PowerPoint slides encouraging resource conservation.

The Million Gallon Challenge is a collaboration of Indiana University's Campus Division, Communications, the Physical Plant, the Office of Sustainability and the Utility Information Group.

---

---