Hi Matt,

It’s nice to virtually meet you - I’m the Sustainability Programs Coordinator at iSEE. I’ve been working with colleagues involved in zero-waste efforts to start drafting a proposal to install hydration stations with water bottle refillers in residence halls on campus. Alma is supportive of this idea and approved the idea of submitting a proposal to the Student Sustainability Committee.

I was wondering if you have any cost information available for the following:

• Equipment cost of different models of hydration stations
• Installation costs
• Filter costs
• Maintenance costs (both for stations with filters and without)

If you can provide any of that info, that would be a big help. Please let me know if you have questions or need any clarification.

Best,

Miriam

Hi Miriam,

I’m glad to hear a proposal is in the works for hydration stations with water bottle refillers!

We’ll gather the information you’ve requested.

MATTHEW M. BROWN (he, him, his)

Director of Facilities for University Housing

Hi Matt,

I wanted to reach out again because we are aiming to submit a proposal by March 20, which is the Spring 2024 deadline for SSC project proposals over $10,000. Do you think it would be possible to gather the cost information before then?

I was also wondering if you could share insight on what a realistic timeline for this project could look like. If we receive SSC grant money at the end of May, would it be feasible to install the hydration stations over the summer?

Thanks and please let me know if you need any other info from me!

Best,

Miriam

Hi Miriam,

Here is information on these items:

• Equipment cost of different models of hydration stations – Filtered are around $1,500; Without filter around $1,000
• Installation costs – Estimate $250-$500
• Filter costs – $65-75 depending on model
• Maintenance costs (both for stations with filters and without) – minimal beyond changing filters

The installation timeline will vary depending on how many units are obtained and when. Summer is a very busy time of year for us. We would likely prioritize locations for installation if possible, work in as many as we can during summer, and continue steadily installing as needed.

MATTHEW M. BROWN (he, him, his)