Water Reuse and Conservation Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University is committed to managing water sustainably and equitably, with a strong focus on maximizing water reuse and minimizing waste across all its facilities. The University strives to efficiently utilize treated water, greywater, and rainwater while promoting a culture of responsible water use among staff, students, and the local community.

The University’s commitments include monitoring consumption, implementing water-saving technologies, improving infrastructure, supporting research and innovation in water management, and strengthening collaboration with local and international partners. This policy aims to ensure the sustainable use of water on campus and contribute to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Purpose

This policy aims to establish a comprehensive framework for maximizing water reuse, conservation, and efficiency across all An-Najah National University (ANNU) campuses. It ensures that water is used responsibly, reused to the fullest extent possible, and protected from pollution, while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
The policy seeks to promote responsible water stewardship through the reduction of freshwater consumption, expansion of treated and recycled water use, and integration of sustainable water management technologies in all university operations.

Scope

This policy applies to all ANNU campuses, facilities, academic and administrative units, and covers all staff, students, contractors, and visitors engaged in water-related activities or operations. It extends to new construction projects, landscaping, laboratories, agricultural fields, and any other areas where water is utilized.

Principles

An-Najah National University is committed to responsible water management through the following guiding principles:

1. Legal Compliance

Ensure full compliance with all national and international laws, regulations, and standards governing water use, reuse, and quality management.

2. Water Reuse Optimization

Maximize the reuse of treated wastewater, greywater, and harvested rainwater for irrigation, cleaning, and other non-potable purposes, thereby reducing dependence on freshwater sources.

3. Monitoring and Measurement

Continuously monitor, record, and analyze water use across all facilities to detect inefficiencies, leaks, and opportunities for increased reuse and recycling.

4. Water Reduction Targets

Reduce overall water consumption by 25% by 2030 through water reuse projects, efficient irrigation, smart plumbing systems, and the expansion of non-conventional water sources.

5. Awareness and Behavioral Change

Encourage all members of the university community to practice water conservation through education, engagement campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives.

6. Technological Advancement

Integrate advanced water-saving technologies, including smart meters, sensor-based irrigation systems, and automated leak detection in all new and existing buildings.

7. Sustainable Procurement

Adopt low-water-consumption standards for all water-related equipment and ensure procurement aligns with the University’s Ethical and Sustainability Procurement Policy.

8. Educational Integration

Promote education, research, and community engagement in sustainable water management through the Water Research Unit and related academic programs.

9. Collaboration and Partnerships

Strengthen partnerships with local authorities, research institutions, and international organizations to develop and implement innovative water reuse solutions.

Water Reuse and Management Practices

ANNU will implement the following measures to optimize water reuse and conservation:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Install collection systems on all suitable buildings to capture and store rainwater for irrigation, cleaning, and non-potable uses.

• Greywater Recycling: Develop greywater systems in new constructions and retrofit existing facilities where feasible to reuse water from sinks, showers, and laundry for landscape irrigation.

• Water-Saving Fixtures: Use low-flow faucets, toilets, and smart irrigation systems across all campuses.

• Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: Ensure wastewater generated on campus is treated in accordance with national standards and reused for agricultural and landscaping purposes through the Nablus-West Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• Smart Water Systems: Deploy sensor-based and automated water management systems to prevent overflow, detect leaks, and regulate water distribution efficiently.

• Drought-Resilient Landscaping: Prioritize native and drought-tolerant plant species in green spaces to reduce irrigation needs and support local biodiversity.

• Green Building Standards: Ensure all new and renovated buildings meet Palestine’s Green Building Guidelines and incorporate water reuse technologies.

• Research and Innovation: Encourage research projects, pilot programs, and student initiatives focused on innovative water reuse technologies, monitoring systems, and sustainability modeling.

Focus Areas

• Water Source Diversification: Utilize multiple water sources—municipal supply, wells, rainwater, and treated wastewater—to ensure reliability and reduce dependency on freshwater.

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Implement preventive maintenance programs to promptly address leaks and inefficiencies in the water network.

• Behavioral Engagement: Promote campaigns that encourage students and staff to reduce water consumption and report leaks or misuse.

• Operational Efficiency: Audit all high-water-use areas, including laboratories, greenhouses, and dormitories, to identify opportunities for reuse and conservation.

Compliance and Enforcement

• All university departments and contractors must comply with this policy.

• The Water Research Unit will monitor compliance, evaluate performance indicators, and report annually on water use, reuse, and reduction progress.

• Non-compliance may result in corrective action or review of departmental resource allocations.

Support and Resources

• The University will allocate sufficient financial, technical, and human resources to achieve its water reuse and conservation targets. 

• Training and awareness programs will be provided for staff, faculty, and students to ensure full implementation and understanding of this policy.

Reporting and Accountability

The Water Research Unit, in coordination with the Sustainability Office, will publish an annual “Water Use and Reuse Report” summarizing achievements, challenges, and future objectives.
Progress will also be integrated into the University’s annual Sustainability and SDG reports.