LPU’s Innovative Water Reuse Strategy for Sustainability

Water reuse and recycle is the vital step towards water conservation. LPU has taken leading initiatives in this aspect. The sewage water has been segregated into black water and grey water and managed individually. The university employs an effective wastewater management strategy that distinguishes between greywater and black water to optimize resource use and environmental sustainability. Greywater, which includes wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry, undergoes nominal treatment before being repurposed for landscape gardening and toilet flushing. In contrast, black water, which consists of wastewater from toilets, undergoes a rigorous treatment process to ensure it meets the effluent discharge standards required for safe release into the environment. This comprehensive treatment ensures that harmful contaminants are removed, safeguarding public health and protecting local ecosystems. Recognizing that conventional wastewater treatment can be energy-intensive and may not always effectively address all types of wastewater generated in an institutional setting, the university is continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its treatment processes. By prioritizing both greywater reuse and advanced black water treatment, the university exemplifies a holistic approach to wastewater management that prioritizes sustainability, resource conservation, and environmental protection, setting a standard for responsible practices in higher education. Hence flexible wastewater treatment technologies ranging from conventional to advance has been installed and operated in order to treat all type of wastewater generated within the premises most effectively and energy efficient way. Gradually but steadily through these initiative, LPU is paving towards energy effective waste treatment and zero liquid discharge.

LPU’s Approach to Reusing Swimming Pool Water

Lovely Professional University’s approach to reusing swimming pool water. By maintaining stringent sanitation protocols and addressing challenges like calcium buildup, LPU ensures a safe and enjoyable swimming experience while significantly reducing water waste. This model can serve as an inspiration for other institutions and communities aiming to adopt sustainable water management practices.

The primary goal of these water management practices is to reduce impurities in the pool water to a safe level, allowing for its continuous reuse. The benefits of LPU’s approach include:

• Water Conservation: By recycling pool water, LPU significantly conserves water, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
• Cost Savings: Reduced need for fresh water lowers operational costs associated with pool maintenance.
• Enhanced Sustainability: Implementing such advanced water management systems demonstrates LPU’s commitment to sustainability and environmental management.

Strategic Management of Sustainable Water Storage at the University
The university has made significant strides in sustainable water storage management through its initiatives to capture, store, and utilize treated water across campus. One of the most impactful efforts is the installation of three large water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 25,000 liters, located at the Sports Fields. These tanks are designed to collect and store treated water, which is used to irrigate the fields, reducing reliance on municipal water supplies and conserving valuable freshwater resources. This system ensures that the sports fields remain well-maintained year-round, even during periods of low rainfall or water restrictions, while minimizing the environmental footprint of campus operations.

The water storage management initiative not only supports the university's commitment to sustainability but also demonstrates how institutions can effectively manage natural resources to meet their water needs. By capturing treated water and putting it to productive use, this forward-thinking approach aligns with the university's broader goals of environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and the creation of a resilient, self-sustaining campus.

Recycled Water used to Powers Air-Conditioning

Recycled water at 1 Central Courtyard is used for the air-conditioning cooling towers, along with irrigation of the gardens in the precinct.

Irrigation and Horticulture:

Treated water from the STPs is primarily used for irrigation and horticulture purposes, including watering plants like Eucalyptus and other vegetation across the campus. This demonstrates a sustainable approach to maintaining greenery on the campus while conserving freshwater resources.

Flushing:

The university has adopted an innovative approach to water conservation by utilizing treated water for dual purposes, including flushing toilets. This practice not only reduces the demand for fresh potable water but also ensures that water is used efficiently throughout the campus. By repurposing treated water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, the university significantly decreases water wastage, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible water management system. This initiative supports the broader goal of conserving precious freshwater resources, especially in regions where water scarcity is a growing concern. The dual use of treated water also aligns with the university's commitment to environmental stewardship by reducing the environmental impact of campus operations. Through this initiative, the university fosters a culture of sustainability among students, staff, and visitors, encouraging mindful water consumption while demonstrating how resourceful practices can lead to meaningful change. The integration of treated water for toilet flushing is a practical and effective solution that reinforces the university’s dedication to responsible water use and sustainable campus development.. A dedicated pipe-line that it's a 9-inch diameter pipeline, extending over a kilometer in length. This infrastructure allows for efficient and widespread use of the treated water.

Sludge Utilization:

The sludge obtained as a byproduct of the water treatment process is used as manure in horticulture. This practice showcases the university's commitment to minimizing waste and recycling resources as well as this practice ensures that waste materials are not discarded but instead transformed into valuable resources that support the growth of plants and the overall health of campus gardens and green spaces. By using treated sludge as organic manure, the university minimizes its environmental footprint, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and closing the loop in its resource management system. This approach also enriches the soil, promoting the health and vitality of the campus landscape while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can have harmful environmental impacts. The use of sludge as manure exemplifies the university's dedication to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly campus where resources are thoughtfully recycled and reused. This initiative serves as a practical example of how waste can be converted into a beneficial product, furthering the university's mission to minimize waste, promote environmental stewardship, and foster a culture of sustainability among the campus community.

Additional STPs:

The presence of smaller sewage treatment plants (STPs) with capacities of 10,000 liters each at the Main University Playgrounds and Agriculture farmland further contributes to water conservation and efficient utilization. These additional STPs help manage wastewater effectively in these specific areas.

Utilization of treated water:

Treated water from the 5 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant plays a key role in sustainability by treating wastewater for reuse in a variety of applications, including toilet flushing, gardening, drip irrigation, horticulture, agriculture, and poly-house farming. This efficient system ensures that treated water is repurposed for essential campus functions, reducing reliance on fresh water and promoting responsible resource management. Through this initiative, the university demonstrates its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water use practices.It transforms the campus into a green and environmentally friendly oasis, promoting a healthy and inspiring environment for students and faculty.

Preventing Entry of Polluted Water:

Integrated Loft tanks are installed at wastewater outlets, following guidelines from the Biomedical Waste Management Rules (BMWM) of 2016. These loft tanks are utilized for the primary treatment of wastewater, employing a hypo solution to neutralize contaminants before the water enters the university's system. This process prevents the entry of polluted water into the broader water infrastructure, ensuring that water quality is maintained across campus. By following the Biomedical Waste Management Rules (BMWM) of 2016, the university safeguards its water resources and supports its overall sustainability and environmental stewardship goals.This practice helps maintain water quality.

LPU’s Comprehensive Water Reuse Practices for Sustainability:

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has integrated comprehensive water reuse practices, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), to reduce reliance on freshwater sources and mitigate environmental impacts. The Division of Waste Management Landscape Architecture and Environment is responsible for measuring and managing the volume of reused water treated from wastewater across the campus. This ensures efficient water use for various university operations while safeguarding surrounding ecosystems.

Digital Meters Monitor Sustainable Water Extraction at LPU

In addition, there are 32 Digital water meters, installed on each of these waters bore, to measure the volume of water extracted from the ground, using sustainable water extraction technologies.

• LPU fresh water extracted approximately 4,600 cubic meters of water per day, measured by pumping systems and water meters installed across academic buildings, dormitories, research facilities, and other university infrastructure.
• The university treats waste water approximately 2,500–4,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, as recorded by flow meters. This treated water is verified to be free from chemical contaminants before reuse.

Regular Water Measurement Practices

By regularly measuring the quantity of water reused on campus, LPU showcases a proactive approach to sustainability and responsible resource management. This practice allows the university to track its water conservation efforts, ensuring that resources are being used efficiently and that water waste is minimized. By carefully monitoring the amount of recycled water, LPU is able to make data-driven decisions that optimize water usage for various purposes, such as irrigation, flushing, and landscaping. This not only conserves freshwater supplies but also reduces the university's environmental footprint, aligning with its commitment to sustainable practices. Furthermore, this approach benefits both the university community and the surrounding environment, as responsible water management supports the health of local ecosystems and reduces the strain on public water systems. By taking such measures, LPU leads by example, fostering a culture of sustainability on campus while demonstrating the importance of resource conservation to students, staff, and the broader community. This ongoing commitment to monitoring and optimizing water reuse reflects LPU’s dedication to protecting the environment and promoting long-term sustainability.