Water Usage and Care

6.3.1 – Wastewater Treatment Process

Sakarya University operates under a comprehensive wastewater management framework in collaboration with the Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration (SASKİ). All wastewater generated on campus is directed to the municipal sewage system and treated at the SASKİ Wastewater Treatment Plant in full compliance with the Water Pollution and Control Regulation issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

To reduce contamination before discharge, the university has installed oil and sediment filters in cafeterias, laboratories, and service areas. The Department of Construction and Technical Works conducts regular inspections and reports to SASKİ to verify the proper functioning of wastewater collection, treatment, and discharge systems.

Figure 1. Wastewater Treatment Collaboration Overview of the SASKİ municipal wastewater treatment process where all Sakarya University effluent is treated according to national discharge standards.

6.3.2 – Pollution Prevention Measures

The university enforces multiple safeguards to prevent pollution incidents and the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment. Separate drainage systems for wastewater and stormwater exist across all campus buildings. Oil traps are installed in vehicle service zones and cafeterias, while laboratories are equipped with containment basins for hazardous liquid waste.
Regular water-quality sampling is conducted jointly by SASKİ and the Department of Environmental Engineering to detect contamination risks early. Emergency protocols are in place for chemical or accidental spills, and response teams are trained to minimize potential environmental impacts.

Figure 2. Oil Filters Installed on Campus Pretreatment system showing oil and grease interceptors in cafeteria and laboratory discharge lines to prevent pollution.

Figure 3. Water Quality Sampling and Monitoring by SASKİ Regular inspections and water-quality sampling conducted by the Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

6.3.3 – Provision of Free Drinking Water

Sakarya University provides free and safe drinking water for all students, staff, and visitors throughout the campus. Natural spring water extracted from university wells is treated and distributed through a dedicated internal network connected to public fountains and indoor taps.
The water is regularly analyzed by SASKİ and the Department of Environmental Engineering to verify that it meets national drinking-water standards. This system ensures continuous access to safe, free drinking water while minimizing the use of bottled water and supporting the university’s sustainability and waste reduction goals.

6.3.4 – Water-Efficient Building Standards

Sakarya University applies national water-efficiency and sustainable construction standards in all new and renovated buildings. In line with the Water Efficiency Regulation (2024), all new campus facilities include low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and sensor-controlled taps to minimize water use.
Older buildings are progressively being retrofitted with these systems as part of the Zero Waste and Sustainability Action Plan. The Construction and Technical Works Department reviews every new project for compliance with efficiency and conservation standards before approval.

6.3.5 Water-Efficient Landscaping and Drought-Tolerant Plants

Sakarya University designs and maintains its campus landscapes to minimize water consumption and promote sustainable water management. The campus vegetation includes drought-tolerant and low-maintenance species, primarily pine (Pinus pinea, P. nigra), cedar (Cupressus sempervirens), and native oak (Quercus robur, Q. frainetto), all adapted to Sakarya’s humid subtropical climate.

Automated irrigation systems exclusively use groundwater and rainwater collected in underground storage tanks. No treated mains water is used for irrigation. In addition, permeable pavements, gravel paths, and grass-supported parking areas facilitate rainwater infiltration and reduce surface runoff, helping to recharge groundwater.

These practices reduce overall water demand and support the long-term sustainability of campus green spaces.

Figure 4. Water-Absorbing Pavements Porous paving systems that promote rainwater infiltration and reduce runoff.	Figure 5. Drought-Tolerant Plants on Campus Pine and cedar trees integrated into campus landscaping to reduce irrigation needs.