6.5.4 Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus
Teerthanker Mahaveer University has established a closed-loop water management system where treated wastewater from the STP is collected in a dedicated lake located within University grounds. TMU initiated a sustainable water extraction activity by installing a large rain-water harvesting lake on campus that holds up to one crore liters of water, thereby capturing runoff from rooftops, roads and landscaped areas to recharge the groundwater table. TMU constructed multiple tanks and bunds to collect this harvested water for domestic use, fire safety needs, and irrigation of fields and grounds. As part of their policy aligned with SDG-6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), TMU tracks water usage, emphasizes reuse, and promotes aquifer recharge rather than unchecked extraction. Through these activities TMU ensures that its extraction from the municipal or natural sources is minimized and that the campus supports natural replenishment of water resources. In this way, the University demonstrates how institutional large scale water management can be both efficient and ecologically sound. The lake, tanks, STP/ETP systems and recharge efforts serve as a living model for students and staff on sustainable water practices.
Closed-Loop Water System
Lake Site
Advanced sustainable water extraction technologies such as low-energy submersible pumps with variable frequency drive (VFD) control, flow regulation systems, and real-time water quality monitoring sensors are deployed to draw water efficiently from the STP lake. The extracted water is primarily used for irrigation of green spaces, sports fields, and botanical landscaping across the campus, reducing dependence on groundwater and municipal water supply.
Sustainable Extraction Technology:
Sprinkler Irrigation Method
This approach ensures near-zero water wastage, avoids over-extraction of natural reserves, and supports groundwater recharge by minimizing withdrawals from local aquifers. The operation also contributes to climate resilience by ensuring a reliable, year-round water source even during periods of low rainfall.
Water Reuse Metrics
Sludge Collection
By integrating renewable-energy-powered pumping systems and adhering to strict extraction quotas aligned to ecosystem balance principles, TMU sets a benchmark for sustainable water resource management in higher education institutions. This initiative not only supports environmental stewardship but also serves as a live demonstration and research facility for students and faculty in environmental sciences and civil engineering, reinforcing the University’s role in achieving the United Nations’ SDG 6 targets.
Water Extraction and Usage Metrics
- The campus Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has a capacity of 1.5 million liters per day (MLD), effectively recycling up to 10,68,000 litres of wastewater per day.
- Approximately 6,00,000 liters per day of treated water is directed towards horticulture and green landscaping, while about 4,00,000 liters per day supports agricultural irrigation on University grounds.
- These measures reduce campus reliance on groundwater by nearly 80% of the total daily water supply, dramatically minimizing ecological impact and supporting aquifer recharge rates.
- The University maintains operational flexibility, adjusting extraction and use based on seasonal demands while storing surplus treated water in a 10-million-litre capacity reservoir to buffer against supply fluctuations.
Aquifer Recharge & Conservation
Sludge Extraction Unit
Sustainable Extraction Technology Impact
- By extracting water solely from the STP lake, TMU prevents the over-extraction of local aquifers and reduces peak-load stress on municipal water supplies.
- The use of low-energy, automated pumps and smart irrigation controllers contributes to an overall reduction in campus water wastage.
Key Initiatives of Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus
Overview
Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU), Moradabad, has established a scientifically and environmentally responsible system for extracting water on campus from groundwater aquifers and surface water sources. Using metering, rainwater recharge, and water-efficient technologies, TMU ensures balanced withdrawal, replenishment, and long-term sustainability of water resources. The university follows a “Withdraw Responsibly Recharge Excessively” principle to safeguard local water security.
Key Sustainable Water Extraction Initiatives
| Initiative | Implementation at TMU | Impact / Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Groundwater Extraction | Extraction is regulated through ground. | Prevents over-withdrawal and ensures sustainability. |
| Aquifer Recharge Systems | Recharge pits & percolation trenches channel rainwater to aquifers. | Enhances groundwater table and improves recharge rate. |
| Surface Water Utilization (Campus Lake) | The campus lake is used for landscape irrigation during peak summer. | Reduces groundwater dependency. |
| Water Level & Quality Testing | Static water level measurements, TDS & pH testing. | Ensures sustainable extraction and safe water parameters. |
| Rainwater Harvesting Integration | Rooftop harvesting network connected to recharge wells and lake. | Reduces fresh extraction load significantly. |
Environmental and Institutional Impact
| Impact Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Groundwater Sustainability | Stable water table trend despite urban pressure zones. |
| Reduced Extraction Burden | Use of lake water and reused STP water offsets demand. |
| Academic Utilization | Hydro-monitoring can be used in student studies & research projects. |
Commitment Statement:
At Teerthanker Mahaveer University, sustainable water extraction is a regulated, monitored, and replenished system. Through technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and scientific control, TMU ensures that water is used wisely, replenished naturally, and protected for future generations.
Overview
Teerthanker Mahaveer University has implemented a structured and data-driven system for responsible water extraction and aquifer protection. By deploying recharge structures, lake-based water utilization, and technology-enabled pump control, TMU ensures long-term sustainability of its water sources. These interventions have strengthened water security, improved recharge balance, and demonstrated TMU’s leadership in sustainable hydrology and campus-based water governance.
Environmental & Hydrogeological Impact
| Impact Area | Observed Outcome |
|---|---|
| Surface water system resilience | Campus lake retained as strategic storage. |
| Soil moisture | Improved |
| Climate resilience | Able to sustain peak-summer demands without stress. |
“We extract responsibly — and replenish even more responsibly.”
Monitoring, Data & Regulatory Impact
- pH, TDS, EC testing ensures potable and safe supply.
- STP performance logs used to offset freshwater use.
Institutional & Social Impact
| Impact Area | Result |
|---|---|
| Water security | Zero water scarcity campus. |
| Responsible behaviour | Campus follows “Use Wisely — Monitor Strictly” culture. |
Commitment Statement:
Teerthanker Mahaveer University is committed to
scientific, ethical, and sustainable water withdrawal.
Through balanced extraction, advanced
monitoring, and proactive recharge, TMU safeguards water for today and for future generations —
acting as a benchmark in responsible campus water management.