Outdoor Hydration Stations deliver a non-stop water supply solution for outdoor events on WashU’s Danforth 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 on the Danforth Campus) 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
FAQ
Water Station Kit: Each water station 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.
Rentals include the water station and set up/break down labor and coordination. Ice and cups are an additional cost to customize per event, but are highly recommended to order as part of the package.
Event hosts are advised to provide a table for cups.
Event hosts must coordinate their own plans for replenishing cups on the table, and are advised to assign a volunteer/host to either check in on the station periodically or be present at the station to assist guests.
Event hosts will need to make arrangements for waste collection, and are encouraged to consider reserving waste stations as a cost-effective way to ensure that event waste is sorted and can be recycled and composted. Compostable cups are provided for the stations; ideally the event would have a collection strategy for the cups to ensure cups are composted.
The tank is filled via a fire hydrant or nearby building hook up. Hydrants are flushed sufficiently before hooking use. 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.
Upon request (recommended), water stations are loaded with 200lbs of ice. Depending on the weather and duration of the event, ice may need to be replenished daily. Fees apply.
Facilities coordinates installation – a service ticket is created when you fill out a request form. Dining Services Catering provides ice and cups. The Office of Sustainability can advise on layout strategy.
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!