• Wastewater and Recycling
• Wastewater

Wastewater and Recycling

Wastewater and Recycling

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa operates advanced on-campus wastewater treatment systems that purify sewage water for safe, non-potable uses. Treated wastewater is used primarily for irrigation and landscaping, supplying over 70% of campus irrigation demand, and accounting for 30–35% of total campus water consumption. Overall, treated or recycled water contributes approximately 55–60% of total campus water usage.

Measured Impact:

·        Total treated wastewater reused for irrigation and non-potable purposes in 2024: 120,000 m³

·        Proportion of total campus water demand met by treated wastewater: 30–35%

·        Overall contribution of treated/recycled water to campus water usage: 55–60%

Key Sustainability Initiatives

·        Advanced Water Recycling: Utilizing dedicated treatment facilities, the university recycles wastewater for landscaping and irrigation across campus. These systems reduce dependence on external water resources and promote a sustainable green campus.

·        Rainwater Harvesting: A rainwater collection program channels precipitation to irrigate green spaces, supporting eco-friendly landscaping efforts and conserving freshwater sources.

·        Safe Water Purification for Consumption: Two on-campus purification plants filter both underground and river water, ensuring a steady supply of clean drinking water across facilities. This approach meets stringent safety standards and supports the well-being of students, staff, and visitors.

·        Handling Toxic and Hazardous Waste: Wastewater treatment facilities adhere to strict disposal practices, particularly for laboratory-generated hazardous materials. This commitment underscores the university’s dedication to protecting both human health and the environment.

·        Educational and Operational Initiatives: Sustainability programs extend to student education, promoting environmental awareness through workshops and hands-on involvement in campus conservation efforts. By integrating sustainability into academic and operational practices, the university fosters a community-wide culture of environmental responsibility.

 

Water Pollution Prevention Measures

In addition to treating wastewater, UoWA has implemented comprehensive measures to prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including:

·        Spill Prevention and Response: Laboratories, workshops, and maintenance areas are equipped with spill kits, containment trays, and emergency shut-off systems. Staff and students receive annual training on chemical, fuel, and hazardous material spill prevention and reporting.

·        Stormwater and Run-off Control: Drainage systems incorporate sediment traps, oil separators, and filtration mechanisms in parking lots, mechanical workshops, and service areas.

·        Wastewater Segregation: Hazardous laboratory and industrial wastewater streams are pre-treated or contained prior to entering the main sewage system.

·        Incident Management: The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Unit maintains a register of environmental incidents, coordinates rapid response, containment, cleanup, and reports incidents to relevant authorities when required.

·        Monitoring and Quality Assurance: Regular sampling and inspections ensure all discharged water meets Iraqi national standards, including pH, BOD, suspended solids, and microbial content.

Research and Development

UoWA actively integrates research into its wastewater management practices. Key initiatives include:

·        Development of low-cost treatment technologies suitable for arid climates and local water scarcity conditions.

·        Student-led projects and faculty research on greywater reuse for irrigation and laboratory wastewater pre-treatment.

·        Collaborations with national and regional environmental authorities to monitor water quality, develop best practices, and implement innovative treatment solutions.

Future Plans

The university is committed to expanding and enhancing wastewater management systems, including:

·        Extending treatment and reuse coverage to additional campus buildings and facilities.

·        Upgrading treatment technology to include tertiary treatment and advanced filtration to increase safety and efficiency.

·        Increasing real-time monitoring and automation for early detection of pollution or system inefficiencies.

·        Strengthening educational programs to raise awareness among students and staff about water conservation and pollution prevention.

These efforts ensure that UoWA continues to minimise environmental impacts, optimise water reuse, and comply with national and international standards for water management.