Water is a vital resource for the University, supporting our teaching and research, sustaining landscapes and ecosystems and enabling day-to-day operations. As climate change intensifies, risks such as drought, water scarcity, flooding and pressure on infrastructure also increase. As one of the largest water users in the Australian Capital Territory, we recognise our responsibility to manage water carefully and sustainably.
Through proactive water management, the University is working to minimise leaks and wasted water, improve system reliability, reduce operational costs and protect local waterways while setting an example in sustainable resource stewardship.
See key highlights from our water management work below or explore our progress in our various reports and publications.
Our approach
The University is improving water efficiency across all operations, balancing the needs of research, teaching and campus amenity. This includes optimising system performance, reducing leaks and losses, improving monitoring and encouraging responsible water use across the community. These actions are designed to be adaptive, enabling ANU to leverage emerging technologies, respond to new challenges and continuously enhance water sustainability outcomes.
Key focus areas include:
- Improving water efficiency across facilities and operations through smart meter networks and data systems and updating irrigation systems, fixtures and fittings.
- Prioritising non-potable water use where appropriate to reduce reliance on potable supplies.
Our goal
Reduce total campus-wide water consumption while shifting to a greater reliance on nonpotable sources.
Our targets
- Reduce total water use by 5% by 2030 (2024 base year)
- Supply at least 5% of total demand from non-potable sources by 2030
Our progress
Recent work has strengthened our understanding of how water is used across campus and where improvements can be made. Smart metering and system reviews are improving visibility of water consumption, supporting early leak detection and more targeted maintenance responses.
Non-potable water systems have continued to expand, including extensions to irrigation infrastructure in key areas, helping reduce reliance on potable water. Landscape management practices are also evolving, with improved soil conditioning, drought-tolerant planting and more efficient irrigation schedules reducing water demand while supporting healthy, resilient green spaces.
Our progress is reviewed regularly and published through various reports and publications.
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