Water

In order to reduce mains water usage across the University by floor area by 12% from the 2015 baseline by 2020, we will be fully reviewing and implementing Water Management Plans for each campus.

The University is a significant consumer of water in Melbourne, using more than 400 megalitres of mains water per year. The water management plans cover water conservation, distribution, harvesting, measurement, and quality. An important first step will be to implement an appropriate metering and monitoring system to enable data capture and inform decision-making.

Priority actions

  • Complete annual report and review of Water Management Plans for each campus
  • Commission the existing Parkville purple pipe network to facilitate use of harvested water
  • Implement infrastructure to monitor all harvested water usage

The University has obligations to water authorities and participates actively as a key stakeholder in voluntary collaborative programs and initiatives.

  • Obligations as a customer in City West Water’s Customer Charter, and other Water Authority requirements, as applicable
  • Obligations with respect to trade waste discharges from sites are outlined in the Trade Waste Customer Charter
  • The University is a key stakeholder in the City of Melbourne Elizabeth Street Catchment Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Plan

What you can do

  • Always turn off running taps
  • Use a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of our drinking water fountains.
  • Report a maintenance issues such as a dripping tap:
    For urgent or emergency requests (action required in under 2 days) call Campus Services Call Centre on 8344 6000.
  • Report a Sustainability Improvement Opportunity
    Please let us know your ideas and observations about sustainability opportunities in the University environment around you. Contact us at sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au.

Locate your nearest drinking fountain

Drinking fountains, or water refill stations, are available on the Parkville and Southbank campuses. Fill up your drink bottle for free at any tap on campus to minimise single-use waste store-bought water bottles.

Refill your drink bottle on campus to reduce single-use plastic waste from disposable water bottles.

Check out your nearest drinking fountain location on the map below.