6.3.1 Waste water treatment

Boğaziçi University Waste Water Treatment and Sustainable Water Management Practices

Boğaziçi University implements comprehensive wastewater treatment and water management systems to fulfil its environmental responsibilities in achieving its sustainability goals. In this context, wastewater recovery and water saving systems have been developed at various campuses of the university. The focus has been on the recovery of grey water, which constitutes a large portion of domestic wastewater, and sustainable campus practices have been implemented in this direction.

All wastewater generated at Boğaziçi University is collected from the buildings and transported off-campus. The collected wastewater is taken to the Baltalimanı Wastewater Treatment Plant operated by the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration. A plan view showing the campus and Baltalimanı Wastewater Treatment Plant is given. The wastewater treatment plant is located 4 km away from Boğaziçi University.

Distance between Boğaziçi University Campus and Baltalimanı WWTP

Baltalimanı Wastewater Treatment Plants

Grey Water Recovery Systems

Grey water includes wastewater other than toilet waste, and recycling this water is of great importance in terms of reducing the amount of wastewater and reusing water. The grey water recovery systems commissioned at Boğaziçi University in 2010 in the South Campus 1st Men's Dormitory and in 2014 in the North Campus 4th Dormitory building are an important step in this direction. Approximately 16 m³ of grey water is recovered daily in both dormitory buildings. 

With the membrane bioreactor unit in the Men's Dormitory, all water used in the toilets with an average daily water requirement of 6.5 m³ is supplied from recycled grey water. This application corresponds to approximately 15% of the total amount of water drawn from the network. The system not only saves water, but also reduces environmental impact by removing the chemical load of wastewater.

Rainwater Recovery Systems

Within the scope of sustainable water management of Boğaziçi University, not only grey water but also rainwater recovery plays an important role. Rainwater recovery systems, which were commissioned in 2013 at the Kandilli Campus National Earthquake Monitoring Centre (UDIM) building and in 2014 at the North Campus ETA Building, allow rainwater to be used for garden irrigation, cleaning and reservoirs. These systems are part of the university's strategies to protect natural resources and minimise environmental impacts.

Monitoring of Waste Water Treatment Systems

Boğaziçi University attaches great importance to continuous monitoring and evaluation activities in wastewater treatment processes. The performance of grey water recovery systems is monitored through periodic water analyses and the inlet and outlet water values of the plant are checked. These analyses are carried out to ensure efficient operation of the systems and to maximise water savings.

Sustainability and Environmental Performance Monitoring

The environmental performance of Boğaziçi University can be monitored in detail using SoFi software. Started in 2011 in selected buildings, water footprint monitoring studies enable the amount of mains water used throughout the campus to be monitored through ISKI consumption information. Thanks to monthly measurements taken on a building basis, water consumption on campus is optimised and areas requiring improvement are identified.

Other Sustainable Water Management Projects

Other projects developed by Boğaziçi University within the scope of sustainable water management include hot water systems that support the use of solar energy. Installed in 2011 at the South Campus 1st Male Dormitory and in 2015 at the Tarsus History and Culture Centre, solar collectors increase the use of renewable energy in water heating processes. Tarsus History and Culture Centre sets an important example by operating with 100% solar energy.

These projects reflect Boğaziçi University's commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation of natural resources. With these innovative practices in water recycling and wastewater management, the University contributes to the goals of being a sustainable university not only on its own campuses but also worldwide.

Related Links:

• Boğaziçi University Grey Water Recovery System
• Boğaziçi University Waste Water Management
• Boğaziçi University Environmental Sustainability Report

2024 Sustainability Report SDG-6 (Related Section)

Waste Water Treatment

Boğaziçi University carries out important studies  on  wastewater  treatment throughout the campus and develops innovative solutions to reduce water consumption. Systems  focusing  on  the  recovery  of  grey  water,  which  constitutes a  large  portion  of  domestic  wastewater,  are  among  the  important  steps  to reduce water consumption and minimise environmental impact.

Grey Water Recovery Systems

Grey water  refers  to  domestic  wastewater  other  than  toilet  water,  and  systems for  the  recovery  of  this  wastewater  at  Boğaziçi  University  are  implemented  in two  dormitory  buildings:  grey  water   recovery   systems,   which   were commissioned in 2010 in South Campus  1  Boys‘  Dormitory,  in  2014  in  North Campus 3 Girls’ Dormitory and  4  Boys'  Dormitory,  and  in  2017  in  Kandilli Dormitory, The membrane bioreactor unit in 1 Men's Dormitory meets the entire daily  water  requirement  in  the  toilets  from  recycled  grey   water.   This corresponds to 15%  of  the  total  amount  of  water  that  the  dormitory  receives from the network. This system recovers approximately 15% of the total water consumption of the dormitory, thus saving water and reducing the amount of wastewater.

Monitoring of Waste Water Treatment Systems

Boğaziçi  University  continuously  monitors  and  evaluates   the   efficiency   of   its grey water recovery  systems  The  efficiency  of  the  systems  is  kept  under  control by periodically analysing  the  inlet  and  outlet  water  in  the  facilities  This  process is carried out with the aim  of  optimising  the  recovery  of  wastewater  and maximising  water  savings  Thus,  by  reusing  water  throughout  the   campus, negative impacts  on  the  environment  are  reduced  and  contribution  is  made  to the protection of water resources.

For More Information

https://yesilkampus.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/content/gri-su-geri-kazanim-sistemi