Saving water

In 2022, the University used just under 365,860 cubic metres of water.

Our water saving story

The University has been monitoring, measuring and working to reduce water use for 40 years. We save water by including water-efficient operating plant, fittings and equipment in our buildings, and by encouraging staff and students to save water in kitchens, toilets and bathrooms, and labs. Water used for heating and cooling our buildings is re-recirculated.

The University of Auckland’s Sir Owen G Glenn Building has a system for collecting water from its roof and using it for flushing toilets.

Access to free drinking water

Access to free drinking water on the University’s campuses is an essential component of student well-being. There are 154 drinking water facilities distributed across our City, New Market and Grafton campus.

What you can do

Be a water saver: Install a rainwater tank at home

Installing rainwater tanks not only helps preserve water supplies but also protects the environment from the effects of excess stormwater run-off. The collected rainwater can also be used for other purposes like watering your garden, washing your car, supplying your washing machine and toilet or topping up spas and swimming pools.

Resource consent is often required when installing domestic tanks to ensure they meet development standards such as proximity to the boundary. Tank size, water usage in the household, household occupant numbers and seasonal rainfall will impact the degree to which rainwater tanks can contribute to household water supply, so naturally these variants would need to be considered before choosing a tank.

You can find more information on rainwater tanks and resource consents on the Auckland Council website.

More options

 

In kitchens

  • Wait until dishwashers are full before using them
  • Use porcelain cups and give them a quick rinse between drinks rather than using a dishwasher

In toilets and bathrooms

  • Turn off taps between wetting, soaping (20 seconds) and rinsing hands
  • Do the same when showering (2 minutes max!)
  • Don't use a full flush when half a flush will do
  • Report dripping taps and running toilets or urinals that are not operating ‘on demand’ by completing a maintenance request

In laboratories

  • Think about water and energy use when planning experiments
  • Build water and energy efficiency into experimental design
  • If possible, make sure that lab equipment is connected to a water recycling system and that it is working properly (instead of running water to waste)
  • Use electric vacuum pumps instead of water-based venturi systems