Water Conservation
Our campus, which occupies an area of 137 hectares, over 60% of which is covered in vegetation, is both the largest and greenest university campus in Hong Kong. Protecting such a large area is not easy. Irrigation alone is a significant challenge. Nevertheless, it is a challenge which the University is determined to meet fully.
CUHK has been monitoring its water use since 2006. Between 2005/06 and 2017/18, per-capita consumption of potable water declined by 28%.
Water is used on campus for irrigation, for cleaning, for washing and showering, for cooking and preparing drinks, and to fill the University's swimming pool. CUHK has implemented a range of strategies to conserve potable water in its operations.
As always, these efforts are not limited to operational practices and infrastructural improvements. High emphasis is placed on raising the awareness of the university community, through annual hostel water-saving competitions organised by colleges, and events and seminars by student groups.
- Weiyuan Lake:
Perfect Mix of Form and Function - Smart Reuse of Water Resources
- Water-Saving Fixtures
- Maintenance and Monitoring
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Weiyuan Lake |
The completion of a water treatment plant in 2012 enables the lake to supply the University's water needs beyond irrigation. The lake can supply up to 1,100 cubic metres of water each day (after treatment) for campus irrigation, cleaning and cooling systems. Weiyuan Lake is now more than just a scenic campus attraction. It is also part of the University's life support system, and we are committed to taking good care of it. |
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Water in the swimming pool is reused for flushing toilets |
Water used to fill the swimming pool is reused for flushing toilets. Contractors are required to reuse water during construction projects on campus, for example in wheel washing and watering to suppress dust. |
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Automatic cut-off tap |
For new buildings and during refurbishment of existing buildings, specifications are developed to ensure the installation of rain water collection facilities and water saving fixtures such as 'dual-flush' toilets, faucet aerators and automatic cut-off taps which comply with the water economy standards specified by the Water Supplies Department in its Water Efficiency Labels. |
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Water monitoring at Weiyuan Lake |
Comprehensive monitoring programmes have been developed to check and control the quality of our tap water, drinking water from dispensers, cooling water and swimming pool water, to ensure that they meet strict health and environmental parameters. |
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Weiyuan Lake |
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The completion of a water treatment plant in 2012 enables the lake to supply the University's water needs beyond irrigation. The lake can supply up to 1,100 cubic metres of water each day (after treatment) for campus irrigation, cleaning and cooling systems. Weiyuan Lake is now more than just a scenic campus attraction. It is also part of the University's life support system, and we are committed to taking good care of it. |
