Water Reuse

Water Reuse Policy

Effective Date:17/03/2023
Approved by: University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa

 1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to formalize the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa’s commitment to water reuse by establishing clear guidelines and goals for measuring, monitoring, and enhancing water reuse across campus, including sewage water treatment for irrigation. This policy supports the university’s broader environmental sustainability initiatives by promoting water conservation, reducing the demand for fresh water, and aligning with global water management best practices.

 2. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all water reuse initiatives at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, including wastewater recycling, irrigation, cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting. It also covers the implementation of sewage water treatment for irrigation purposes, encompassing all landscaping and agricultural areas that rely on treated water.

 3. Definitions

  • Water Reuse Systems: Infrastructure and technologies used to recycle and repurpose water for non-potable uses, including irrigation and cooling systems.
  • Sewage Water Treatment: The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it suitable for reuse in non-potable applications such as irrigation.
  • Water Meters: Devices installed on water reuse systems to monitor the volume of water being recycled and reused.

 4. Policy Statement

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa is dedicated to reducing fresh water consumption through various water reuse initiatives. These include installing advanced water meters, creating a comprehensive reporting system, implementing sewage water treatment systems, and reusing treated water for irrigation. The university commits to the following actions:

A. Water-Efficient Technologies

The university will install water-efficient systems across campus, including:

  • Low-Flow Fixtures: Installed in restrooms, showers, and kitchens.
  • Smart Irrigation Systems: Utilizing drip irrigation, moisture sensors, and scheduled watering to minimize water waste.
  • Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Capturing rainwater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation.
  • Greywater Recycling Systems: Treating greywater from sinks and showers for reuse in landscaping and non-potable applications.

B. Sewage Water Treatment for Irrigation

The university operates sewage water treatment systems that treat wastewater to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards for reuse in:

  • Irrigating Lawns and Gardens: Helping maintain the campus’s aesthetic and ecological balance.
  • Landscaping and Agricultural Areas: Reducing reliance on fresh water for campus green spaces.

C. Water Reuse Reporting Mechanism

The university will establish a reporting system to track water reuse metrics, including:

  • Installation of Smart Water Meters: Monitoring water use across different facilities.
  • Regular Water Usage Audits: Assessing and improving water efficiency.
  • Publishing Usage Reports: Quarterly and annual reports on water reuse efforts will be shared with the university community to maintain transparency.

D. Water Reuse Goals

The university will set measurable goals for reducing freshwater use by increasing the volume of recycled water in campus operations. This includes targeted reductions in freshwater use over specified periods and specific goals for irrigation and landscaping needs.

 5. Procedures

1. Monitoring and Compliance

  • Water reuse systems will have monitoring devices to track data in real-time, with regular audits and compliance checks to meet water conservation goals.

2. Water Quality Monitoring and Distribution

  • The university will regularly test treated sewage water to ensure it meets standards for irrigation. A dedicated system will distribute treated water across campus green spaces to reduce waste.

 6. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Facilities Management Office: Oversees sewage treatment operations, installation of water meters, and reporting on water metrics.
  • Sustainability Office: Manages water reuse initiatives, compliance, and integration with broader sustainability goals.
  • Groundskeeping Team: Utilizes treated water for campus landscaping and agricultural projects following policy guidelines.
  • Academic Departments and Researchers: Encouraged to engage in research and innovation related to water reuse technologies.

 7. Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with this policy will be monitored through inspections, data reviews, and audits. Violations or failure to meet water quality standards may result in corrective actions, such as system upgrades or operational adjustments.

8. Related Documents and References

  • University Sustainability Plan
  • National Environmental Water Quality Standards
  • Water Reuse Technology Standards

 9. Review and Revision

This policy will be reviewed every three years to ensure alignment with sustainability goals and evolving water management practices.

 10. Contact Information

For inquiries and further assistance, please contact:

Sustainability Office
Email: sustainability@uowa.edu.iq