Water Conservation

Program Details

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure is a range of techniques and systems that allow water to be absorbed, rather than runoff. These techniques and systems mimic natural processes and include permeable pavement, green roofs, vegetated landscaping, and bioswales. These interventions can also mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. 

Green infrastructure can be implemented at several scales, including at the district level, such as ensuring new construction has a certain percentage of open space, to small-scale building interventions such as installing rain barrels. 

Green infrastructure examples:

• Permeable pavement
• Bioswales
• Cisterns

Stormwater Management 

We have identified the importance of strategic stormwater management policies, from ensuring existing infrastructure is maintained or installed where needed, such as stormwater detention vaults, to researching the potential for green infrastructure solutions at sites across the CPS portfolio. 

We also explore the need for best management practices (BMPs) across existing sites and new construction. CPS is investigating low-impact development (LID), a design strategy that minimizes runoff by mimicking natural processes. This type of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and vegetated schoolyards, are encouraged at new facilities and are currently installed at existing schools through the Space to Grow program.

Water Quality Testing and Drinking Water

Our schools are regularly tested for lead from potable water sources (fountains, sinks, kitchens), and all sample results are reported to school administration and the community. We recognize the importance of safe water for our students and staff. If high levels of lead are found, fixtures are replaced or taken out of service.