Queensland University of Technology has been cutting water use since 2004. QUT has successfully reduced their water consumption by almost 55 per cent – from 400,000 KL/yr to around 180,000 KL/yr.

The University has been able to achieve such large savings across all campuses (Gardens Point, Kelvin Grove and Carseldine) by introducing the following water efficiency measures.

• Independent audit of all taps, showers and water-consuming fixtures and installed water saving devices and fixtures where needed
• Installed water management control systems on all cooling towers
• Installed rainwater storage tanks for use in irrigation and toilet flushing – so far QUT has installed 30 tanks, with a total capacity of 312,000KL
• Engaged with a sustainability consultant to work with the university on water management strategies
• Incorporated a range of water savings systems for all new and refurbished buildings
• Installed ‘wireless’ water flow meters to accurately capture consumption data
• Reviewed all air-conditioning run schedules to minimise system run times
• Started an awareness campaign to target the university community
• Investigated opportunities to capture and re-use water lost in the routine preventive maintenance testing of fire hydrants and pumps
• Use of re-cycled water for building façade maintenance and cleaning works

Of all these measures, the University is most proud of the wireless metering/monitoring system which allows staff to accurately track water use across the University to stay on top of leaky pipes or tower float failures.

QUT are still trying to find new ways to save water and looking into constructing a water storage and treatment facility at the Kelvin Grove campus.