Water Management

Water is one of the most precious commodities on this planet. For the past decade, the University of Ottawa has worked successfully to lower its water consumption. In 2007, the University consumed 611,044,000 litres annually.

The University of Ottawa recognizes that water resources are finite and that our efforts must intensify to conserve its use. As such, we are committed to decreasing potable water consumption and increasing grey water use on campus.

Target

• Reduce domestic water consumption by 2% annually - target of 612,404,000 Litres by 2012

Objectives

• Introduce campus water conservation campaign
• Increase grey-water capacity

Campus Initiatives

• New design standards
  • Waterless urinals
  • Aerators
• Bottled water free zones
• Drought resistant native plants
• Water utility upgrades
• Black water recycling

Introduction of new design standards (Ongoing)

New campus design standards require all new and retrofit plumbing projects to include water conserving fixtures and systems such as waterless urinals, low capacity toilets, motion sensors and faucet aerators. In addition, each new campus building includes state-of-the art water meters enabling real time monitoring.

Waterless urinals (Ongoing)

First introduced in 2002, the University has waterless urinals in place across the campus, including Protection Services, the Desmarais Pavilion and the University Centre. Each urinal conserves about 100,000 litres per year. Related articles In a time of widespread environmental damage and when community water quality can no longer be taken for granted, we have to come to terms with our “culture of flushing.” By Sean Rushton Click here

 Faucet aerators (2005)

Over 1000 taps have been fitted with aerators, reducing the campus water consumption by 10 million litres per year. Water aerators are now the University standard. Related articles Research shows a great deal of public distrust, scepticism and uncertainty over how rural drinking water is managed. Understanding how perceptions about water are formed is essential for managing risks, creating appropriate policies and protecting public health. By Matthew Bonsall Click here

Bottled water free campus (Ongoing)

In 2010, the University of Ottawa partnered up with the Student Federation to become a bottled water free campus. To learn more e-mail sustainable@uottawa.ca or visit the webpage. Related articles Tracking water quality:Helping communities make evidence-based decisions. By Laura Eggertson Click here

Use of drought resistant native plants (Ongoing)

The University’s ongoing commitment to the use of native and site-appropriate plants has significantly reduced the need for watering. The University’s sustainable landscape management practices have and will continue to make a significant contribution to the University’s water conservation efforts.  Related articles Philippe Crabbé, an economist dedicated to environmental issues, offers some cost-effective options to better preserve freshwater supplies. By Martine Batanian Click here

Storm Water Management 

Through a "zero impact to the environment" agreement with the City of Ottawa, the University employs various methods to manage storm water. Some of these initiatives include roof top flow restrictors, several vegetated roofs, bio swales, and cisterns. 

Black Water Recycling

The University of Ottawa has implemented a program to reduce campus water consumption and reduce cooling loads. Water from the Aquatic Care Center in the Biosciences Complex is collected, filtered, and sent to the cooling towers. Related articles Water has a natural ecological cycle and an economic cycle of human use, cycles at times mutually incompatible. This problem is stirring up controversy and becoming increasingly urgent. By Sylviane Duval Click here