Initiative: Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards

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Purpose

Redeemer’s University maintains a strong environmental stewardship policy that extends to safeguarding water quality within and around its campus. The university recognizes that the quality of discharged water directly affects surrounding ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, and therefore has established clear standards and guidelines for managing all forms of water discharge.

This initiative ensures that all water released from the university, whether from laboratories, residences, agricultural units, or drainage systems, meets environmental quality standards that protect the natural ecosystem and uphold public health.



Scope

These water discharge standards apply to all:

  1. University departments, laboratories, and agricultural facilities that release treated or untreated water.
  2. Maintenance and sanitation units responsible for wastewater collection and drainage systems.
  3. Contractors and service providers engaged in waste management or facility operations on campus.
  4. Campus-based facilities such as hostels, cafeterias, and the university farm or greenhouse operations.

The policy covers industrial effluents, laboratory wastewater, greywater, stormwater runoff, and agricultural discharges.



Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University has a policy to maintain and monitor water discharge quality to ensure it meets environmental standards. The university commits to the following principles:

  1. Adherence to National and International Standards

    • All water discharges shall comply with the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations and NESREA water quality standards.
    • The university benchmarks its discharge parameters against World Health Organization (WHO) and UNEP guidelines.

  2. Regular Monitoring and Testing

    • Water samples from drainage points and effluent outlets are periodically tested by the Centre for Environmental Research and Control (CERC) to assess quality indicators such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and contaminant levels.
    • Results are documented, reviewed, and used to improve the efficiency of campus wastewater management.

  3. Effluent Treatment and Safe Disposal

    • All laboratory and chemical effluents are treated prior to discharge to prevent the release of harmful substances into the soil or water bodies.
    • The university’s wastewater management system emphasizes biological and eco-friendly treatment methods to minimize ecological impact.

  4. Pollution Prevention and Source Control

    • Departments are encouraged to minimize water contamination at the source by adopting cleaner production and eco-lab practices.
    • Hazardous substances and experimental residues must not be flushed into general wastewater systems.

  5. Education and Capacity Building

    • Training and awareness programmes are regularly conducted to educate staff and students on responsible water use, pollution prevention, and discharge management.
    • Research projects within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Management Unit focus on innovative wastewater treatment, water recycling, and ecosystem conservation.

  6. Ecosystem Protection

    • By maintaining high water quality standards, Redeemer’s University contributes to the preservation of nearby terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, supporting local biodiversity and reducing the risk of habitat degradation.


Implementation

The Physical Planning and Works Department, in collaboration with the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Unit and the Centre for Environmental Research and Control (CERC), oversees compliance with water discharge standards by:

  1. Conducting routine environmental audits and quality assessments of wastewater.
  2. Maintaining proper documentation of water quality test results and discharge reports.
  3. Ensuring that corrective actions are taken promptly when deviations from the standards occur.

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