Water

Reducing our water consumption

Starting from a 2017-18 benchmark of 420,000 cubic metres, the University is challenging itself to reduce water consumption despite an expected increase in residences over this time. The University has exceeded it's initial 15 per cent absolute water reduction target against the 17-18 benchmark.

We aim to achieve this by 2025/26 through four streams of work:

• Detecting leaks: this is done through a combination of the installation of strategic meters, pattern analysis, increasing reporting and a range of other methods including the use of heat-vision cameras
• Reducing consumption: through changes in equipment, behaviour and usage in both residences and academic buildings
• Independent supply: our Stag Hill campus benefits from an independent supply of water sourced from an onsite borehole, which helps to reduce both the costs and energy required for transportation. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, we are currently working towards installing a second borehole at our manor park campus.
• Preventing waste: we have implemented intelligent controls, and reduced flush and flow rates across our campus to prevent water wastage. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of water that would have otherwise been potentially wasted. We are committed to continuously expanding this program to further reduce our environmental impact.

Our progress on reducing water use is reported quarterly to the Environmental Sustainability Steering Group, and annually to the Executive Board. These groups contain representation from across the University’s senior management and include student representation from the Students' Union.

Key successes

• Installation of passive infrared sensors across almost all urinals saving over 60,000,000 litres of water per year.
• Leak detection work carried out with the help of a master's student in civil and environmental engineering identified a hidden leak saving approximately 8,400,000 litres per year.
• Other leak identification and repair work has saved over 20,000,000 litres per year.
• Work on our onsite borehole has been completed, reducing pressure on the local network and reducing the carbon emissions associated with pumping water to our Stag Hill campus. In the academic year 2021/22, the borehole provided over 180,000,000 litres of water. The site is now being used as an exemplar, providing a close and well-designed resource for enhancing the teaching of engineering and sustainability students.

These measures combined have saved the equivalent of 35 Olympic swimming pools worth of water a year!

Conserving water

The University estate and landscaping are maintained by a dedicated team of in-house staff. They employ a range of methods to conserve water:

• Adopting a water probe irrigation system to assess soil moisture, promoting targeted rather than widespread watering
• Compost and mulch are used to retain moisture around trees and reduce the amount of watering required
• The University has removed water fountain systems and replaced them with planted beds with drought-resistant species
• The university has installed water-efficient shower heads in all of its bathrooms, along with an extensive meter network to detect leaks and other issues within our water systems.

Water Quality

The University discharges all wastewater via its drainage system to the local water provider Thames Water. Their network goes to a sewerage treatment station where it is treated and turned into potable water in a way that prevents pollution and contamination of local water courses. The University also has a number of Trade Effluent agreements with Thames Water which control the types of materials that can be discharged via the wastewater system – this includes suspended solids as well as hazardous fluids. The University has a hazardous waste management contract with a third-party provider ‘Grundons’ who takes waste from the University avoiding disposal down the drain.

Water usage and environmental care

The University treats wastewater from its Veterinary School and dilutes this before it enters the public sewers. Our Surrey Sports Park facilities have abatement systems to limit the flow rate of water into the public sewers and reduce pressure on infrastructure.

At our Stag Hill, Manor Park, and Surrey Research Park campuses, we have several ponds and lakes that not only improve the site's biodiversity but also function as abatement systems. They collect surface runoff using fuel interceptors and slow its entry into watercourses, reducing the risk of flooding. Additionally, these interceptors also prevent any spillages from entering the lakes.

The Control of Hazardous Substances Policy (PDF) aims to reduce the environmental impact created by the use or disposal of hazardous substances.

Water refill points

We recognise plastic's impact on our ecosystems, so we’re committed to reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. The University offers 106 refill points around campus, allowing staff, students and visitors to refill their bottles. Additionally, all cold water taps are drinkable unless otherwise labelled.