Water reuse policy

Water scarcity is a critical concern in Uzbekistan due to its arid climate and limited rainfall. Recognizing this challenge, TIIAME National Research University has established a comprehensive Water Reuse Policy to promote sustainable water management practices across its campus. This policy is an integral part of the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

TIIAME has implemented a state-of-the-art rainwater collection system to ensure efficient water use. The system includes a large underground water tank with a capacity of 350 tons and two above-ground tanks with a total capacity of 50 tons. Rainwater is collected from building roofs via installed tubes and directed to these tanks through collection trays. This harvested rainwater is strategically used for various purposes, such as irrigating campus landscaping, maintaining fountains, and supporting laboratory activities. The system exemplifies the university’s dedication to water conservation and sustainability.

The actual flow of the rainwater collecting is as follows:

To further enhance water efficiency, TIIAME employs a sophisticated closed-loop water circulation system. Water from the rainwater tanks is distributed to specific areas like fountains and hydraulics laboratories, and after fulfilling its intended purpose, it is filtered and returned to the tanks for reuse. This continuous recycling minimizes water consumption and underscores the university’s role as a leader in sustainable water management.

The university’s landscaping practices reflect its commitment to water conservation. The campus features a diverse array of drought-tolerant and low-water-demanding plants, including sycamore, pine, juniper, yucca, and boxwood. These plants not only reduce the need for irrigation but also enhance the campus’s aesthetic appeal. The Youth Park, a central feature of the campus dedicated to the national poet Abdulla Oripov, highlights sustainable landscaping by showcasing an abundance of water-efficient flora. Furthermore, green spaces surrounding campus buildings are carefully maintained, with individual departments taking responsibility for specific gardens. Each tree on campus is equipped with a QR code, enabling efficient inventory management and reflecting the integration of technology with sustainability.

TIIAME’s approach to water reuse incorporates advanced treatment technologies to ensure water quality. Filtration systems remove particulates, UV disinfection ensures microbiological safety, and nutrient recovery systems extract valuable nutrients from wastewater for potential agricultural use. These measures guarantee that water reused on campus meets the highest standards while supporting environmental and academic goals. Real-time monitoring systems are in place to track water usage and quality, ensuring compliance with national standards and supporting continuous improvement.

The university’s water reuse policy delivers significant benefits. It reduces dependency on freshwater resources, minimizes wastewater discharge, and lowers operational costs. By demonstrating best practices in water management, TIIAME not only enhances its campus operations but also serves as an educational model for students and the wider community. The integration of water reuse into academic programs fosters innovation and prepares students to address real-world water challenges.

Looking ahead, TIIAME aims to expand its rainwater harvesting infrastructure and adopt smarter water management technologies, including IoT-enabled systems. The university also plans to strengthen collaborations with international institutions to advance research in water reuse. These efforts will ensure that TIIAME continues to lead by example in sustainable water management, setting a benchmark for institutions in Uzbekistan and beyond.

The Water Reuse Policy at TIIAME National Research University is a testament to its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. By combining cutting-edge technologies, strategic landscaping, and a dedication to education, the university not only addresses current water challenges but also contributes to a more sustainable future.