We are no strangers to water at Westwind. From the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the currents of the Salmon River to the rain that falls on our heads and the groundwater that runs beneath our feet, water is all around us. That is why it is so vital that we protect our waterways and conserve the watershed. To do this, Westwind works with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), which ensures the work we are doing aligns with our conservation mission. Learn more about Westwind conservation here.
Water Well
Westwind’s water comes from our well which taps into groundwater on the Westwind site. Not only does this mean that all of Westwind’s water is fresh and drinkable, but it also means that the raindrops that so often fall on our shores eventually become the water you are drinking from our taps. Having a well means that we can directly tap into the water supply in the watershed where we exist, and it greatly reinforces the importance of protecting our water supply.
In addition, we recently replaced the pump that moves water from our well to supply all of Westwind’s water needs. Our site team made this change after recognizing that Westwind’s water usage varies significantly throughout the year as different groups visit. Frequently, our large pump was more than we needed, wasting energy and reducing the efficiency of our water system. The new pump we installed is smaller and more energy efficient, which allows us to better meet our water needs. We still have the larger pump for when Westwind is operating at full capacity.
Pipes
A major source of water waste at Westwind has been leaky and inefficient pipes. Even small leaks add up over time and can even lead to more major damage. That is why we have been working hard to identity leaking and coroded pipes, and replace them with new plumping. These changes have reduced leaks and limited the wasted water. Replacing a few pipes might not seem like a lot, a constant trickle of leaking water adds up over the day, weeks, and months, and can be a major strain on our water system.
Bathroom Renovations
Westwind is amid major improvements to our staff bathrooms and is planning renovations to Cascade Head. As we discuss fixtures, toilets, and plumbing, we always look for ways to reduce water usage and waste. Low-flow toilets and shower heads are great for lowering overall usage, while faucets with an automatic shutoff can reduce wasted water. Taking the time in the planning process of these projects to identify how we can limit water usage is an important step in the future conservation of Westwind.
There is no single action that helps conserve Westwind. Conservation is a constant process of choosing whenever possible to reduce consumption, reuse existing materials, and limit the amount of waste we produce. These choices help ensure that we can protect Westwind for generations to come. We invite you to learn more about conservation at Westwind and consider donating to support our mission. With your help, we can protect Westwind.
YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT CONSERVATION AT WESTWIND
CLICK THIS LINK TO SUPPORT US TODAY!