BART uses about 53 million gallons of water annually, of which about 76% is for general purposes and 24% is for irrigation specifically. On average, the general station water usage is roughly 720,000 gallons per year per station. However, this number varies greatly by station depending on irrigation needs, bathroom usage, and how recently fixtures have been upgraded.
More details can be found in the most recent Annual Sustainability Report.
Preventing Stormwater Pollution
Riders can join BART in preventing storm water pollution
Trash is a major storm water pollutant in California. Because storm water flows to the bay untreated and unfiltered, trash discarded on land frequently makes its way into streams, creeks, rivers, and eventually the ocean, as rain storms wash it into gutters and storm drains.
Types of trash commonly found in waterways include cigarette butts, paper, fast food containers, plastic grocery bags, cans and bottles, used diapers, appliances, and more.
What BART Riders Can Do
- If you see a problem with overflowing trash cans or Dumpsters or a leak of any kind at a BART station, please help protect our environmental and report it to a Station Agent.
- Put litter in its place: Dispose of trash into garbage and recycling receptacles provided by BART in our stations and parking lots. Please clean up after pet waste as well.
- Avoid disposable cups: You can prevent litter by using reusable containers like travel mugs.
- Decline the printed receipt at BART ticket and parking machines if you can.
Cars are another major source of water pollution in the Bay Area. Leaked fluids like oil and particles from exhaust and other contaminants end up on our roads and then are washed untreated into storm drains that lead directly into our waterways. Birds, fish, and other animals are then exposed to the pollutants.