TIIAME National Research University: A Model of Sustainability Through Free Drinking Water

At TIIAME National Research University, free drinking water is continuously provided for all students, staff, and visitors across the campus. The system is managed in accordance with national standards on drinking water hygiene and monitoring and aligns with the principles of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This initiative integrates plastic waste reduction, health protection, and the promotion of an inclusive and sustainable environment.

Infrastructure and Coverage

Across the university campus, 12 refill stations operated throughout 2024. These points cover academic buildings, libraries, dormitories, sports facilities, and event areas. According to the 600-800-meter coverage criterion, 90 % of the main buildings have direct access to a free drinking water point.

Quality control & safety

Drinking water quality is monitored monthly. In 2024, laboratory testing covered pH, TDS, turbidity, residual chlorine, and E. coli. Results show that 100% of samples fully complied with national hygiene standards. Test protocols and inspection dates are published on the university’s public page.

Environmental impact (plastic reduction)

TIIAME NRU actively promotes the “Bring-Your-Bottle” campaign, expanding the use of refillable bottles among students and staff. This practice reduces single-use plastic consumption, cuts waste streams, and supports responsible water use, strengthening the university’s sustainable campus model.

Maintenance & rapid response

Each water point follows a preventive service plan: timely filter replacement, unit disinfection, and pressure calibration are performed on a routine basis. Under the SLA (Service Level Agreement), faults are addressed within 36 hours. Processes are overseen through internal audits by TIIAME’s technical units. QR codes at every station allow users to report faults or supply issues directly; the current average response time is 36 hours.

Educational & social impact

Beyond supporting healthy lifestyles, the free drinking water initiative actively builds a culture of sustainability on campus. Throughout 2024, more than ten awareness and engagement events promoted wise water use, plastic reduction, and recycling, while connecting classroom learning with real-world water challenges. Students are increasingly adopting refill habits and environmentally responsible behaviors, reinforcing TIIAME’s Green Campus agenda and SDG 6 outcomes.

Selected 2024 evidence of outreach & engagement (public links):

1. Integration of production and education in river hydrology (19 January 2024)
On 19 January 2024, the Department of Hydrology of Rivers and Reservoirs organised a seminar-training on integrating production and education in water management. Representatives of river basin and water-management organisations met with students and faculty to discuss real hydrological challenges and modern monitoring practices. Participants gained a clearer understanding of how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice, strengthening the link between the university and the water sector.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5362

2. World Wetlands Day round-table with national decision-makers (2 February 2024)

On 2 February 2024, in connection with World Wetlands Day, TIIAME NRU students and staff took part in a public round-table held in Tashkent on the role of wetlands, the Aral Sea region and climate resilience. The event featured Mr. Alikhanov Boriy Botirovich, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Development of the Aral Sea Region and Ecology, who led discussions on wetland conservation and sustainable water use. The meeting raised environmental awareness among students and highlighted the importance of healthy water ecosystems for regional development.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5500

3. World Water Day event “Water for Peace” (15 / 22 March 2024)

Around World Water Day (22 March), TIIAME NRU organised a dedicated event on 15 March 2024 to discuss “Water for Peace” and the growing pressures on freshwater resources. Faculty members, students and invited experts addressed water scarcity, transboundary water issues and the need to pass river water resources to future generations in good condition. The programme combined presentations, discussions and an exhibition on sustainable water use and SDG 6.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5871

4. Quiz on the topic “Water for Peace” (13 March 2024)

On 13 March 2024, a student quiz on “Water for Peace” was held in the foyer of the G-building. Teams of students answered questions on global and national water issues, SDG 6, climate change and conflict-sensitive water management. The event encouraged peer learning, raised awareness of the links between water security and peace, and rewarded the most active and knowledgeable participants with honorary prizes.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5932

5. “Smart Irrigation” innovative project competition (28 March 2024)

On 28 March 2024, the university launched an innovation competition under the title “Smart Irrigation – an innovative project to improve water resource management.” Students and young researchers were invited to propose sensor-based, IoT and data-driven solutions for efficient irrigation and reduced water losses. The competition served as both an educational platform and a pre-incubator for water-saving technologies, encouraging participants to turn research ideas into practical prototypes.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=5993

6. Public lecture on automatic water-control systems for efficient water use (23 April 2024)

On 23 April 2024, the Faculty of Hydromelioration hosted an online and offline public lecture on “The importance of automatic water control for efficient water use.” The lecture brought together professors, doctoral students, researchers, master’s students and undergraduates to learn about modern automatic control systems for canals and pumping stations under conditions of water scarcity. The speaker presented real case studies and demonstrated a pilot device, sparking discussion on how such technologies can be implemented on campus and in the national irrigation network.

URL: https://tiiame.uz/news?id=6190