How We Measure the reuse of water across the university

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Key Initiative: Measuring Water Reuse Across Redeemer’s University

Introduction:

In its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Redeemer’s University is planning to initiate a comprehensive program to measure water reuse across its campus. While the university has already implemented various water conservation measures, such as retrofitting buildings and installing rainwater harvesting systems, there was no formal system in place to measure the volume of water reused through these systems. This initiative aims to address this gap by establishing methods for monitoring and tracking water reuse, allowing the university to quantify its efforts and further improve water efficiency.

This initiative will be led by the University Works Department in collaboration with the Redeemer’s University African Center for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER), both of which are critical to the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the water reuse measurement program.



Current Status and Need for Measurement:

Although Redeemer’s University has taken steps to reduce water consumption by implementing water-efficient technologies and capturing rainwater for reuse, there is currently no system in place to track or quantify the amount of water being reused. Without accurate data, it is difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts or identify areas where improvements could be made.

As the university moves towards a more sustainable water management strategy, measuring water reuse will allow it to:

  1. Monitor and report on the actual volume of water being reused.
  2. Set measurable targets for further reducing potable water consumption.
  3. Optimize existing water reuse systems and identify opportunities for expansion.
  4. Demonstrate environmental stewardship to stakeholders and the broader community.


Plan for Measuring Water Reuse:

Phase 1: Initial Data Collection Using Basic Methods

In the initial phase of this initiative, the focus will be on implementing the easiest and most cost-effective methods for measuring water reuse. The University's Directorate of Works and Physical Planning, in collaboration with ACEWATER, will focus on:

  1. Metering Rainwater Harvesting Systems: The university will install flow meters on all existing rainwater harvesting systems to track the volume of rainwater collected and reused. These meters will provide real-time data on the amount of water being diverted from the main water supply for non-potable uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and landscaping.
  2. Recording Water Reuse from Greywater Systems: For buildings that have greywater recycling systems in place, simple monitoring devices will be installed to measure the volume of greywater being captured, treated, and reused. These devices will provide data on water saved by reducing the need for potable water in applications like toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
  3. Manual Reporting for Older Buildings: In older buildings where retrofits have been made but advanced metering systems have not yet been installed, water reuse will initially be tracked manually. Facility managers will estimate water savings based on the capacity of retrofitted fixtures and historical usage data. For example, maintenance logs can be used to estimate the frequency of rainwater or greywater use, combined with flow rates of retrofitted fixtures.
  4. Establishing a Baseline: Using the data collected from the initial phase, the university will establish a baseline for water reuse. This baseline will be critical for setting future water reuse goals and measuring progress over time.


Phase 2: Installing Smart Monitoring Systems

As the program evolves, the university plans to integrate more advanced monitoring technologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of water reuse measurement. The focus in this phase will be on:

  1. Automated Smart Water Meters: Smart water meters will be installed in all new buildings, and retrofitted into older ones where possible, to measure both water use and water reuse in real-time. These meters will automatically collect data and provide detailed reports on water consumption, rainwater collection, and greywater reuse.
  2. Centralized Data Collection System: A centralized system will be developed to consolidate data from various water meters and monitoring devices across the campus. This system will enable the University Works Department and RUAC-WER to easily track water reuse metrics, analyze trends, and generate reports that will guide future conservation efforts.
  3. Leak Detection and Water Efficiency Improvements: Smart monitoring systems will also include leak detection capabilities, allowing the university to quickly identify and address water losses due to system failures. This will ensure that reused water is fully optimized and not wasted.


Phase 3: Expanding Water Reuse and Optimization

In the long-term, the university plans to expand the scope of its water reuse program by optimizing existing systems and introducing new initiatives. Plans for this phase include:

  1. Extending Greywater Recycling Systems: Based on the data collected in the initial phases, the university will explore opportunities to install additional greywater recycling systems in more buildings, including older residential halls and academic facilities. This will further reduce the demand for fresh water across campus.
  2. Incorporating Water Reuse into Future Building Designs: Moving forward, all new building designs will include integrated water reuse systems as a standard practice. This will ensure that water conservation and reuse are prioritized in future campus developments.
  3. Collaboration with Research Centers: ACEWATER will play a key role in researching and implementing innovative water reuse technologies. This collaboration will include exploring more efficient methods of greywater treatment, using advanced filtration systems, and potentially developing new systems for reusing laboratory wastewater.
  4. Annual Reporting and Target Setting: The University Works Department and RUAC-WER will produce an annual report that outlines the volume of water reused across the campus, including data on rainwater collection, greywater recycling, and other water-saving efforts. This report will also set new targets for increasing water reuse year-on-year and identify areas where improvements can be made.


Championing the Initiative:

University Works Department:

The University Works Department will lead the implementation of this initiative, overseeing the installation and maintenance of metering systems, ensuring accurate data collection, and managing the retrofitting of older buildings. The department will also work closely with contractors and technology providers to ensure that water reuse measurement systems are reliable and effective.

Redeemer’s University African Center for Water and Environmental Research (ACEWATER):

RUAC-WER will provide the research, analysis, and technological expertise needed to develop innovative water reuse strategies. The center will work alongside the University Works Department to interpret the data, conduct further research on water reuse technologies, and explore ways to optimize water usage across the campus. ACEWATER will also be responsible for engaging with the academic community to raise awareness of water reuse and involve students in water conservation projects.



Benefits of the Initiative:

  1. Accurate Water Use Data: By measuring water reuse across campus, Redeemer’s University will have a clear understanding of how much water is being conserved and where improvements can be made.
  2. Informed Decision-Making: Reliable data on water reuse will allow the university to make informed decisions about future investments in water-saving technologies and infrastructure.
  3. Improved Water Efficiency: With better tracking and optimization, the university can reduce its dependence on potable water sources and increase the amount of water reused, ultimately contributing to its sustainability goals.
  4. Student and Staff Engagement: The initiative will also serve as an educational tool for the university community, raising awareness of water conservation and encouraging staff and students to contribute to sustainability efforts.


Conclusion:

The initiative to measure water reuse across Redeemer’s University is an essential step in the university’s journey toward sustainable water management. By implementing basic metering systems in the short term and expanding to advanced smart technologies in the long term, the university will be able to track and optimize its water conservation efforts. This initiative will not only help the university reduce its water consumption but also serve as a model for sustainable practices in higher education institutions.

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