Water and Pollution
Water is a precious resource and needs to be conserved, but it also allows pollutants to be transported quickly and in large volumes to the wider environment.
As we are so close to the sea, we need to be able to act very quickly in response to any spillages that could be washed into our drains. Please help us by following these guidelines.
Only use the water you really need
Running taps can waste up to 6 litres of water a minute. Keep tap water in the fridge to cool instead of running the tap until it is cold and don’t leave the tap running while you are brushing your teeth. Make sure you have a full load before washing your clothes
Tell us about leaks and dripping taps
A dripping tap can waste up to 140 litres of water a week - that’s enough for 4 showers! Let the Estates Department or your Residences Site Office know immediately if you spot any dripping taps or water leaks.
Let nothing but water go down the drain
Fats, oils and grease can cause blockages in drains and sewer pipes as they solidify which can cause sewer water to back-up in the drains.
Dairy products, such as milk and cream, are highly polluting to aquatic environments as they starve the water of oxygen as they degrade. Please don’t allow anything but water to go down the plug-hole.
Report spillages immediately
Let the Mount Pleasant or Townhill Site Office know immediately if you
notice a spillage of any kind that could enter the drains. Even substances that are not marked as hazardous can be polluting, especially dairy products like milk and cream.
And if you live off-campus...
...there’s lots more you can do to save water. Why not check out the Water Wise Website for ideas.
