Water Resources

Water is an essential natural resource for supporting life, maintaining healthy ecosystems and regulating climate. It is also a critical part of IU’s infrastructure.

Sustainability efforts focus on controlling both the quantity of water we consume as a campus and the quality of stormwater that is discharged back to the local environment.

The IU Northwest campus lies along the West Branch of the Little Calumet River and limiting stormwater runoff to control flooding and maintain water quality is fundamental to operating a more sustainable campus and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Water Conservation

Water bottle refill stations and other low-flow infrastructure are helping to increase campus water efficiency and reduce our impacts on local water resources. You can help by using your own refillable water bottle rather than drinks that come in single-use plastic bottles.

Stormwater

Portions of the IUN campus lie within the Little Calumet River floodplain and increased flooding events are a predicted consequence of future climate change. IUN is working to combat flooding through green infrastructure improvements, increasing our campus water-use efficiency, and monitoring our stormwater outfalls.

Little Calumet River

Stormwater drains near IUN empty directly into the Little Calumet River. Keeping these drains clear of non-point source pollutants like garbage, debris, and contaminants like car oil or road salt can help protect local water quality.

Water Resources

Water Resources

Water Conservation

Stormwater

Little Calumet River

Office of Sustainability resources and social media channels