Capitol Reef National Park receives just under eight inches of water annually (National Park Service, 2021), and has only three perennial water sources: the Fremont River, Sulphur Creek, and Pleasant Creek. Given the scarcity of this resource, it is essential that water be factored into your planning process, both in being conscious of having water with you and in conserving the limited water that does exist.

The Field Station gets its water from Pleasant Creek, using solar power to transport it uphill to the small water treatment facility on-site. Because our entire facility is powered by solar panels, and involves taking water from a finite desert source, water conservation is essential. The Station utilizes state-of-the-art water filtration and treatment and emphasizes mindful use for its visitors. During their stay, guests are encouraged to be mindful of the water they use while cooking, cleaning, and washing. In addition, informational signs are placed throughout all buildings to educate visitors on how much water is used in various activities and how to reduce usage.

As with the other aspects of sustainability, guests are encouraged to take the knowledge they gain while at the Station and incorporate it into their lives at home. As most of the visitors to the Field Station come from the dry and arid western U.S., where most areas are currently in an extended drought, water conservation is a relevant issue in their daily lives.