Amrita University has developed a comprehensive framework for measuringwater reuse that incorporates advanced wastewater treatmentand innovative resource management practices. This initiative aims to achieve sustainability goals, including net-zero water loss.
Every campus at Amrita operates three Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) that can treat 70% of the consumed water. . These plants utilize an aerobic treatment method and an activated sludge mechanism to process sewage. As a result, the STPs produce nutrient-rich recycled water daily, which is used for toilet flushing, gardening, and arboriculture, significantly reducing reliance on freshwater. Plans are in place to build an additional STP with a capacity of 4 million liters by 2025-26, further enhancing water treatment capabilities from 70% to 80%. Flow meters and sensors in the treatment plants, storage tanks, and end-use areas facilitate real-time monitoring of reused water, which accounts for 60% of total water consumption on campus.
During extreme months with low rainwater availability, 90% of treated water is used to meet the campus’s water needs. During periods of rainfall or when campus population is lower, this percentage varies. The STP facility in Faridabad operates with a BOD level of 3.2. To ensure water supply during hot months, the STP system is capable of providing treated water with a BOD level of 3, meeting one of the highest standards in India.
Regular testing is conducted at Standards Lab to ensure the quality of treated water. In addition, advanced testing is performed at the Biotechnology Labs at Amritapuri to assess and enhance the water treatment processes. These rigorous testing protocols ensure that the water meets high standards for sustainability and safety, supporting the campus’s commitment to effective water management.The campus’ net-zero water strategy integrates environmental restoration and conservation efforts. Over 180,000 trees, including medicinal and herbal varieties, have been planted. This initiative restores barren land and establishes Aushadavanam herbal gardens, the Amritavanam rainforest, and a Butterfly Park with host and nectar plants. These green spaces help recharge the water table, provide habitats for 159 documented bird species, and enhance biodiversity.
Reused water on campus serves several important purposes, contributing to both sustainability and environmental management. It is primarily used for irrigation, ensuring that plants and lawns receive adequate water without putting strain on potable water supplies. Additionally, it supports fruit tree plantation and vegetable farming, helping to grow fresh produce while reducing the campus’s overall water consumption. The reused water also plays a critical role in maintaining and expanding the campus’s green cover, ensuring that trees and plants thrive, even during dry spells. Moreover, it helps in protecting the existing green cover by providing consistent irrigation to the protected areas. Finally, the water is used to sustain artificial green cover, enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of the campus.
On campus, treated water is used efficiently for various purposes to promote sustainability. Flushing systems utilize 20-25% treated water, reducing the reliance on potable water. For boilers, 85% of the water used is treated, ensuring energy efficiency and water conservation. All cooling towers on campus use 100% treated water, further supporting the commitment to sustainable water management. In construction, treated water is exclusively used, in line with the campus’s sustainable campus and construction policies, ensuring responsible water use in building activities.
Additionally, to support the local community, the campus supplies excess treated water to nearby agricultural farms, especially important in regions facing extreme climate conditions. This helps the local community maintain agricultural productivity while reducing their dependency on natural water sources.