Even if living in the dorms were the greatest experience in the world, students could at least count on a nice hot shower. Until now. Staff from Facilities Management has been coming into dorm bathrooms and replacing the old showerheads with newer, more water-saving models.
According to Housing and Dining, the university must replace the showerheads to get a top environmental rating from the Leadership in Environmental Engineering and Design Existing Building Portfolio Program. The old showerheads met requirements set by federal law.
The new showerheads, which cut water flow by an entire gallon per minute, make students feel that it would be more efficient to shower by dumping buckets of water over their heads.
Student reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, as it should be. The university began the program without consulting students and changed the showers without warning, even to students in Centennial who have private bathrooms. Living in the dorms costs over $900 a month. If students were living off campus, they could at least expect some notice from their landlord about this kind of change. The univeristy should remember that students are, at least in this regard, customers and treat them accordingly.
Although resource conservation is certainly a laudable goal, it's unclear if the new shower heads actually save any water. The low water pressure just forces many students to take longer showers. If the university is truly interested in water conservation, they should get water-efficient toilets, or stop running the sprinklers when it's raining.
Thankfully, the SG is taking up students' cause. They have launched a Web site to get student feedback on this and other issues. It's great that the SG is taking a pressing issue and using it as a way to continue communication with the student body. Additionally, the Undergraduate Senate will consider legislation on the issue.
Fortunately for students, Housing and Dining (which was not involved with the installation) has been responsive to student complaints. Their response has been to work with RHA to develop a "pilot program" to test new shower technology, but we hope that will produce positive results soon.
