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.