WATER REUSE POLICY

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Redeemer's University Water Reuse and Conservation Policy

Policy Last Revision: 2024

Policy Next Revision: 2026

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and practices for maximizing water reuse and conservation across Redeemer’s University, ensuring sustainable water management in line with the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability. This policy outlines initiatives for water conservation, including retrofitting buildings with water-efficient technologies and rainwater harvesting, to reduce the overall water consumption footprint of the university.

Scope:

This policy applies to all buildings, facilities, and operational units at Redeemer’s University, including residential, academic, administrative, and laboratory spaces. It involves staff, faculty, students, and facility management teams who are responsible for water conservation and efficient use.



Policy Statement:

Redeemer’s University recognizes water as a critical resource and is committed to reducing water consumption through innovative water reuse strategies and conservation practices. The university will employ modern technologies and infrastructure to capture, treat, and reuse water in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

The following initiatives are key components of the water reuse and conservation strategy:

  1. Building Retrofitting for Water Reuse:
    • Retrofitting of Appliances and Fixtures: All university buildings, including residential halls, academic buildings, and laboratories, are being retrofitted with water-efficient appliances. These include low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient washing machines and dishwashers. These installations are designed to minimize water wastage and maximize reuse where applicable.
    • Greywater Recycling Systems: Greywater (non-potable wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry) is being collected, treated, and reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets. The system has been implemented in new building designs and is being integrated into existing structures through retrofitting.
  2. Rainwater Harvesting:
    • Collection Systems: Rainwater is collected through ducts installed on the roofs of university buildings and channeled into storage tanks. This harvested water is then treated and reused for landscaping, irrigation, and other non-potable uses, significantly reducing the demand on the university’s main water supply. The university aims to increase the storage capacity of these systems and optimize rainwater use during dry seasons.
    • Green Roof Technology: The university is exploring the possibility of integrating green roofs in select buildings to increase the capacity to capture and utilize rainwater. This will further enhance water conservation efforts while contributing to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
  3. Laboratory Water Conservation:
    • Closed-loop Water Systems in Laboratories: Research laboratories have been fitted with closed-loop water systems that allow water used in cooling and other processes to be recycled within the system. This reduces the amount of fresh water needed and lowers overall water consumption in laboratory activities.
    • Efficient Use of Water in Scientific Research: Laboratories are required to implement strict protocols for the efficient use of water in experiments and cleaning processes. Where possible, water used in experiments will be recycled, treated, and reused.
  4. Water Use Monitoring and Management:
    • Smart Water Meters: Smart water meters have been installed in key buildings across the campus to monitor water usage in real time. These meters provide data that will be used to identify opportunities for further water savings and to quickly address leaks or inefficiencies in the system.
    • Water Audits: The Facilities Management Department will conduct regular water audits to assess the university’s water usage and ensure compliance with water conservation targets. This audit will guide future improvements and investments in water-saving technologies.
  5. Awareness and Education:
    • Student and Staff Engagement: The university will implement water conservation awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff. Workshops, seminars, and campaigns will focus on educating the university community about the importance of water conservation and encouraging water-saving practices in daily activities.
    • Water Conservation Competitions: To foster a culture of sustainability, the university will introduce annual competitions among dormitories, academic departments, and administrative units to see who can reduce water usage the most. Prizes and recognition will be given to top-performing groups.
  6. Sustainable Landscaping Practices:
    • Drought-Resistant Plants: The university’s landscaping strategy prioritizes the use of drought-resistant, native plant species that require minimal irrigation. This reduces the overall demand for water while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the campus.
    • Drip Irrigation Systems: Drip irrigation systems, which use significantly less water than traditional sprinkler systems, have been installed in university gardens and green spaces. These systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and water waste.


Procedures for Implementing the Water Reuse and Conservation Policy

Water Reuse and Conservation Procedures

  1. Building Retrofitting Procedure:
    • The Facilities Management Department will oversee the retrofitting of all buildings with water-efficient fixtures and appliances. This includes identifying buildings for prioritization, procuring and installing the necessary appliances, and ensuring the proper functioning of greywater systems.
    • A regular maintenance schedule will be developed to inspect and service retrofitted appliances to ensure their efficiency over time.
  2. Rainwater Harvesting Procedure:
    • The Facilities Management Department will design and implement rainwater collection systems for new buildings and retrofit existing ones. The storage capacity of rainwater tanks will be regularly evaluated and adjusted based on seasonal needs.
    • Collected rainwater will be tested and treated according to safety standards before use for irrigation and other non-potable applications.
  3. Laboratory Water Conservation Procedure:
    • Laboratory managers will coordinate the installation of closed-loop water systems in laboratories and ensure that staff and students are trained on the correct use of these systems.
    • A detailed procedure for reusing and treating water in laboratories will be developed, and compliance will be monitored by the Environmental Safety Office.
  4. Water Use Monitoring Procedure:
    • The Facilities Management Department will review data from smart water meters on a monthly basis to identify patterns of water usage and areas where water savings can be improved.
    • In the event of a water leak or inefficiency, immediate corrective actions will be taken, and a report will be filed with the relevant department head.
  5. Awareness Campaigns and Education Procedure:
    • The Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with the Student Affairs Office, will design and implement water conservation awareness programs. This will include workshops, online resources, and regular communications about water-saving tips and strategies.
    • Departments and dormitories will be encouraged to participate in water-saving competitions, with results tracked through smart water meters and reported at the end of each academic year.


Monitoring and Reporting:

The Facilities Management Department will produce an annual report on the water reuse and conservation initiatives, including the progress of retrofitting projects, rainwater harvesting systems, laboratory water use efficiency, and the results of water audits. This report will be reviewed by the University Senate and shared with external stakeholders interested in Redeemer’s University’s environmental sustainability efforts.

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