Outdoor Hydration Stations deliver a non-stop water supply solution for outdoor events on WashU’s campus. The program aligns with WashU’s commitment to reducing waste and single-use materials on campus. Each station can serve thousands of individuals and provides a streamline alternative to single use containers that must be shipped, stored, cooled, transported to the event site, and chilled for your event. Attendees can fill their own water bottles or use provided compostable cups. Anyone (WashU students, staff and faculty) is eligible to rent a Hydration Station by filling out the form below. Requests will be confirmed after review to ensure that Hydration Stations are suitable for your event.
Hydration Stations are best suited for outdoor events on the Danforth or S40 campus that anticipate over 1000 attendees. They can be reserved for multiple-day events and will automatically refill. The stations require access to an approved fire hydrant, so not all campus locations will be able to accommodate a water station. A map of campus fire hydrants that have been approved for this application can be found below.
Hydration Station reservations are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. The service requires the coordination of several campus departments, so at least two weeks of advance notice is required; 1-2 months of advanced notice is recommended.
Pricing
While Hydration Stations provide a cost effective solution for largescale events that require a free water offering, the complex logistics of installation and service provision requires a fee for the service. Prices may vary based on the event site, installation hours required, number of event days, etc. A cost estimate will be provided if it deviates from the pricing below.
Each hydration station can hold 125 gallons at a time (the equivalent of 3,000 paper cups). The cost per serving will fluctuate based on how many people utilize the water service. For example, one water station serving 1000 people will cost $.80/serving; one water station serving 2000 people will cost $.40/serving. Additional water stations can be added if the footprint is sufficiently large or if a significant demand is anticipated.
1 Hydration station: $625
2 Hydration stations: $900
3 Hydration stations: $1,175
Pricing includes the labor and materials required to set up the station(s), test and clean before and after use, and dismantle and return equipment to storage.
Additional charges are required for the provision of ice and cups.
- Ice: $110/water station/day (includes delivery charges)
- Cups: $70/1000 compostable cups
Damaged beyond normal wear and tear or lost pieces will be charged to the event host’s cost center.
Fire Hydrant Locations
How it Works
WaterMonster items: Each WaterMonster kit contains the following items: gray base, blue barrel, white lid, white hose, blue filter and two locks.
Cleaning: Rental includes a cleaning fee in which Dining Services will clean the containers before and after use.
Installation: When using the WaterMonsters, you need to ensure you are working with all campus partners as there are many moving pieces of equipment to be set-up. Each WM will need to be set-up at a fire hydrant or other water source (from a building). Depending on the location you select, Utilities will need to flush the hydrant or water source to ensure we have clean/clear water for our guests to drink. Utilities will need several days and a work order to complete. Work with Sodexo as each WaterMonster will need 200lbs of ice.
FAQ
Water Station Kit: Each WaterMonster kit contains the following items: gray base, blue barrel, white lid, white hose, blue filter and two locks.
Cleaning: Rental includes a cleaning fee in which Dining Services will clean the containers before and after use.
Installation: Each station will need to be set-up at a fire hydrant or other water source (from a building). Depending on the location you select, Utilities will need to flush the hydrant or water source to ensure we have clean/clear water for our guests to drink.
The tank is filled via the fire hydrant. They hydrants are flushed sufficiently before hooking up. A carbon filter cleanses the water before it enters the tank.
125 Gallons, equal to 1,000 16oz plastic water bottles or 25 five-gallon coolers. For running races, it will serve 3,000 five oz servings.
Event Greening Certification
If you want to take your event to the next level, apply for Green Event Certification! The Green Event Certification is a way to help groups to plan events with sustainability in mind. If you are hosting a Water Station, you are likely well on your way!