Water

Our water reduction plan

A Water Reduction Plan has been developed, specifically looking at four different areas: 

• 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.
• 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.

Key successes

Reducing consumption 

The Sustainability team have ensured that water consumption data is accurate at the Manor Park site; this involved verifying meters are recording accurately and replacing faulty meters. Work is now underway to repeat this process at the Stag Hill site. 

A monthly tracker report and alarms allow for easier identification and resolution of issues. This has helped to identify trends in consumption over the academic year, highlighting the five months that see the highest consumption across accommodation and academic buildings.

The University’s Grounds Team have adopted a water probe irrigation system to assess soil moisture, promoting targeted rather than widespread watering. Find out about biodiversity onsite and our water conscious planting.   

Detecting leaks

An enhanced monitoring programme means more leaks are detected quicker and can be reported. A targeted programme of shutdowns and a leak detection survey also identified an ongoing underground leak. Combined, this has saved more than 1500m³ per month - equivalent to 10,000 standard UK bathtubs. 

Water efficiency

The Sustainability and Maintenance teams worked together to agree on standardised water efficient fittings for a multi-year toilet upgrade. This meant selecting products that are user-friendly, durable, and easily maintainable; consumption before and after installation is being monitored to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. 

Scoping work includes evaluating the feasibility of installing rainwater harvesting during buildings refurbishments and investigating leak detection technology to provide more granular information about leaks beyond building level.

Awareness and outreach

To raise awareness of water efficiency amongst the University community, the Sustainability team ran an event to coincide with World Water Day 2026. This included a roadshow and lightning talks, where staff and students highlighted research and practical actions underway across campus.  

The event also introduced Aqua, a friendly water mascot, who will be used in targeted campaigns and pop-ups to tackle themes such as reporting leaks, ways to reduce water use in labs, how drains become blocked. 

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.

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 over 100 refill points or water fountains around campus (xlsx), allowing staff, students and visitors to refill their bottles. Additionally, all cold water taps are drinkable unless otherwise labelled.