10 Common Water Damage Risks on College Campuses

By TJ Grim, Ready 2 Respond Trainer

Higher education campuses are unique environments – sprawling, complex, and filled with buildings of different ages, functions, and occupants. When water emergencies occur, the scale and impact can escalate quickly.

Based on findings from recent Ready 2 Respond™ Program on-site assessments at colleges and universities, here are 10 of the most common vulnerabilities – and how campuses can utilize these insights to enhance response and recovery.

1. Human error is a top risk factor.
Well-meaning staff and students can accidentally trigger water events. Typical scenarios include leaving faucet sprayers running, improperly shutting off hose bibs, or students hanging items on emergency sprinkler heads. Awareness and prevention training can significantly reduce these risks. Campuses with 24/7 coverage, including nights and weekends, are more likely to catch issues and prevent escalation.

2. HVAC systems can create hidden moisture problems.
Campuses in warmer regions often struggle with condensation and moisture buildup during the peak air conditioning months. HVAC design and performance should be factored into water damage risk management.

3. Facilities are complex, and so are the risks.
Campus infrastructure can include older steam systems, lab spaces with emergency eyewash stations, athletic facilities, locker rooms, dorm bathrooms, and rec centers. The more diverse the plumbing and usage, the higher the potential for unexpected failures.

4. Equipment is often underutilized.
Teams frequently underestimate the number of dehumidifiers or airmovers required to dry out a space affected by water intrusion. In one case, water from an upper-floor leak affected ceiling tiles and carpet below. Equipment had been deployed, but moisture levels were still high and air quality was poor. The environment could have been improved by pairing an air scrubber with each dehumidifier, plus using more drying equipment based on best-practice calculations.

Once staff learn simple calculations based on drying science, they feel more confident managing jobs in-house and are more effective at maintaining healthy building conditions.

5. Moisture monitoring is often incomplete.
Spaces may appear dry, but assessments often uncover lingering moisture days later. Training helps team members understand that touching surfaces to check for moisture isn’t adequte, and that they can to use moisture meters to accurately determine when materials have been dried to the structure’s “dry standard.”

6. Response plans often aren’t written down.
Many teams have an informal plan in mind, but no formal documentation. Without a written emergency response plan, it’s harder to coordinate staff, ensure consistency, or train new team members.

7. Equipment tracking is inconsistent.
Some teams lack a reliable way to determine what equipment is available, what is in use, or its current condition. In one case, students had brought airmovers into their room to use for ventilation without permission. Solutions range from color-coded check-out systems and checklists to digital trackers, such as AirTags or Bluetooth-enabled inventory systems.

8. Storage strategies can reduce response times.
Campuses must think through logistics: Is equipment stored near likely risk areas? Are there physical barriers, such as a busy street or stairs, that could delay response time? Some institutions benefit from fixed storage in multiple buildings, while others find mobile storage trailers or carts more effective. Planning storage around site-specific layouts can mean faster access and better outcomes.

9. Culture change is needed.
Many facilities teams are accustomed to calling a contractor and waiting, but that approach can be costly in terms of time, money, and momentum. A shift in mindset is needed: from reactive to proactive. When teams are trained and confident, they’re able to take early action using drying equipment, moisture meters, and established protocols, managing the initial response in-house and keeping wter damage under control.

10. Training is inadequate for effective response.
It’s typically not about adding more people – it’s about giving the existing team the tools and knowledge to succeed. Staff who once relied on a squeegee can learn to calculate drying needs, classify water damage, and follow proven processes. With training, team members become faster, more effective, and more confident in protecting campus environments.

Water damage events in higher education settings are inevitable, but preventable damage and prolonged disruptions are not. Assessments across campuses continue to reveal common opportunities for improvement – including more thorough drying, better equipment tracking, and turning informal response know-how into standardized, written plans. The good news is – these are solvable challenges.

Contact the R2R team for assistance with a customized response plan that includes assessment and training. For facility management tips, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our Facility Insights newsletter.