Sakarya University provides extensive educational opportunities for local communities to learn about sustainable water management. Through its Sustainable Future Meetings and Science&Future (Horizon Europe MSCA & Citizens) project, the university delivers seminars, school workshops, and hands-on activities on water efficiency, the water footprint, and sustainable irrigation. Faculty members from Environmental Engineering regularly visit schools to teach sustainable water use. In 2024, events such as "Su Verimliliği ve Su Ayak İzimiz" (World Water Day) and "Kamuda Tasarruf Tedbirleri Eğitimi" reached hundreds of participants, including students, teachers, and public employees. These outreach efforts strengthen community awareness of responsible water management.
Figure 1. Public education “Science&Future” events
Sakarya University actively supports water conservation beyond its campus through partnerships with local authorities, schools, and NGOs. Within the Science&Future project, training activities in Sakarya, Düzce, and Kocaeli promoted sustainable water use and adaptation to climate change. Programs such as "Kamuda Tasarruf Tedbirleri Eğitimi" trained municipal staff on reducing water and energy waste, while community workshops raised awareness of the water footprint. The university’s sustainability team also collaborates with regional institutions to share research outcomes on water reuse and wastewater management. These activities extend the university’s environmental impact to the wider region.
Figure 2. Off-campus community training and awareness programs.
Sakarya University employs sustainable water extraction methods to support irrigation and cleaning while protecting groundwater resources. Natural springs and wells on campus supply non-potable water, regulated by digital meters and automatic pumping systems. Extraction volumes are adjusted according to rainfall and seasonal demand, ensuring that local aquifers are not overused. Collected water is stored in covered underground tanks and distributed through automated irrigation systems. These systems are periodically inspected and verified in cooperation with the Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration (SASKİ). Through this controlled approach, the university minimizes its environmental footprint while ensuring long-term water sustainability.
Figure 3. Campus springs
Sakarya University maintains strong cooperation with local, regional, and national authorities to enhance water security and sustainable management. The university collaborates closely with SASKİ on R&D, water quality monitoring, and reuse strategies. At the Test Bed Center, researchers develop pilot projects that model energy-water management systems in partnership with municipal agencies. Academics also contribute to national and international studies on water purification, including electrocoagulation and membrane technologies. Research outcomes are shared with public authorities and published globally, aligning with the UN’s definition of water security. These collaborations promote resilient infrastructure, clean water access, and climate-adapted practices.
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| Figure 4. Joint SAÜ–SASKİ workshop and Test Bed Center research activities. |
6.5.6 – Promoting Conscious Water Usage on Campus
Sakarya University fosters a strong campus culture of water awareness through infrastructure and education. Visual reminders encouraging water conservation are displayed in restrooms, labs, and cafeterias. Over 91% of fixtures—including automatic taps, dual-flush toilets, and waterless urinals—are water-efficient. Regular campaigns such as "Sürdürülebilir Gelecek Buluşmaları: Su Verimliliği ve Su Ayak İzimiz (Sustainable Future Meetings: Water Efficiency and Our Water Footprint)" engage students and staff in practical activities to reduce their water footprint. Digital meters track real-time consumption, and facility teams use this data to detect leaks and reduce waste. All new constructions follow green building standards to minimize water use.
Figure 5. Sustainable Future Meetings: Water Efficiency and Our Water Footprint event.
Beyond campus, Sakarya University leads public awareness efforts on sustainable water use through seminars, exhibitions, and media engagement. Collaboration with SASKİ and local schools ensures wide participation in events like World Water Day and Environmental Engineering Week. These programs feature lectures on household water savings, rainwater harvesting, and pollution prevention. Public campaigns and posters emphasize collective responsibility for clean water. Through outreach projects, research dissemination, and community partnerships, Sakarya University helps cultivate a regional culture of water consciousness and environmental stewardship.
Figure 6. Public exhibitions and seminars promoting water awareness.
