1. Executive Summary

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) is a premier public engineering university in Bangladesh, located in Rajshahi—a region historically challenged by iron-rich groundwater. Since its establishment in 1964 (as BIT Rajshahi) and its transition to a full university in 2003, RUET has integrated sustainable water management into its institutional culture, academic programs, research priorities, and campus operations.

This report presents comprehensive, verifiable data on RUET's water-related infrastructure, consumption, conservation initiatives, research contributions, and community impact. It is intended to serve as documented evidence for THE Impact Rankings, specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

2. Institutional Profile

3. Water Resource Infrastructure

3.1 Campus Water Sources and Supply System

RUET maintains a diversified water supply system designed to ensure water security for its growing campus community. The university draws water from multiple sources:

• Groundwater extraction (primary source for daily campus needs)
• Rainwater harvesting through 4 campus ponds
• Municipal supply (supplementary source during peak demand)

This integrated system meets a daily demand of approximately 854 cubic meters (m³/day) , serving the residential needs of 6,150 students, as well as faculty, staff, and daytime visitors.

3.2 Drinking Water Purification Facilities

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants

• 4 RO plants installed in student halls
  • 2 RO plants serve the new men's halls
  • 2 RO plants serve the women's halls
• Remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, organic matter, and other impurities
• Ensure water meets health and safety standards

UV Water Filters

• Multiple UV water filters installed throughout all academic buildings, administrative facilities, and student halls
• Use ultraviolet light technology to eliminate harmful microorganisms (bacteria and viruses)
• Ensure microbiological safety for all campus users

3.3 Water Storage and Reservoir Management

Civil Pond–Water Tank Synergy: An Integrated Water Management Model

The centerpiece of RUET's water storage system is the strategic alignment of the Civil Pond and the Main Overhead Water Tank, located adjacent to the Civil Faculty Building. This unique configuration creates a synergistic relationship that enhances water security and sustainability.

System Cycle

1. Rainwater falls on campus buildings, roads, and open surfaces
2. Captured by a planned drainage system and directed into the Civil Pond
3. Pond stores rainwater, creating a significant water reserve
4. Water follows two pathways:
   • Natural infiltration through pond bottom → recharges local aquifer
   • Pumped to overhead water tank → distributed across campus network
5. Balancing relationship between pumping and infiltration ensures sustainable cycle

Key Features

• Strategic alignment minimizes pumping energy
• Planned drainage integration ensures effective rainwater capture
• Huge storage capacity reduces vulnerability to seasonal variations
• Natural groundwater recharge maintains aquifer health
• Continuous cycle ensures reliable water supply for all 7,105 campus users

4. Water Consumption and Efficiency Data

4.1 Water Consumption Monitoring

RUET actively monitors water consumption across the campus to identify conservation opportunities. The university's 6,150 residential students require 135 liters per day per student for drinking, bathing, washing, and other daily activities. By monitoring consumption patterns, RUET can identify areas of excessive use, detect leaks, and implement targeted interventions.

5. Water Conservation and Reuse Initiatives

5.1 Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a key sustainable water-management strategy at RUET. The university promotes research and planning related to the collection and beneficial use of rainwater as an alternative supplementary water source.

Campus Ponds

• Total water bodies area: 8.66 acres (5.70% of campus)
• All 4 ponds used for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
• Planned drainage network directs rainwater to ponds for storage

5.2 Rainwater Harvesting Potential in Residential Halls

RUET researchers have investigated the feasibility of rainwater harvesting for institutional facilities, including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall. Studies assess rainfall, roof catchment areas, water demand, and storage requirements to determine the potential contribution of harvested rainwater to institutional water needs.

5.3 Reduction of Groundwater Dependence

Sustainable water management is particularly important in northwestern Bangladesh due to increasing pressure on groundwater resources. RUET's water-related research addresses:

• Groundwater assessment
• Groundwater recharge
• Hydrological modelling
• Water-quality management
• Sustainable water-resource planning

5.4 Water Recycling and Reuse

RUET's sustainability framework identifies water recycling and reuse as an important area for campus development. The university aims to strengthen systems for water recycling and rainwater harvesting and improve institutional monitoring of water-reuse quantities.

Potential applications of treated or harvested water

• Irrigation of campus landscaping and green areas
• Gardening and maintenance of vegetation
• Cleaning of outdoor areas
• Other suitable non-potable applications

6. Wastewater Management

6.1 Controlled Wastewater Disposal and Soil Protection

RUET manages wastewater and sewage through designated drainage and disposal systems:

• Wastewater directed through controlled pathways before reaching soak pits
• Soak-pit system allows liquid effluent to infiltrate gradually into surrounding soil
• Properly designed systems minimize surface contamination
• Regular maintenance ensures protection of soil and groundwater resources

6.2 Stormwater Management and Reuse

RUET researchers have conducted research on:

• Stormwater treatment
• Stormwater pollution control
• Stormwater reuse and recycling
• Treatment systems, catch-basin inserts, pollutant removal
• Sustainable stormwater management

6.3 Water Quality Monitoring and Treatment

RUET researchers work on:

• Water-quality modelling
• Treatment technologies
• Groundwater contamination
• Stormwater treatment
• Environmental protection

7. Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities

8. Campus Land Use and Green Cover

8.1 Green Cover Benefits

• Supports biodiversity (habitat for birds, insects, small animals)
• Sequesters carbon dioxide (climate change mitigation)
• Regulates temperature through shade and evapotranspiration
• Enhances aesthetic quality and mental well-being
• Contributes to stormwater management by reducing runoff

8.2 Sustainable Land Use: Vegetable Cultivation

RUET has established vegetable cultivation areas that:

• Produce fresh, healthy food for campus consumption
• Reduce reliance on external food sources
• Provide hands-on learning opportunities for students
• Demonstrate productive potential of campus open spaces

9. Research and Academic Contributions

9.1 Research Publications

9.2 Key Research Projects on SDG 6

Total Budget Allocated for SDG 6 Projects: 9,507,270 BDT

9.3 Selected Research Publications

10. Academic Integration and Student Engagement

10.1 Curriculum Integration

Water-related topics are integrated into the curriculum across RUET's 18 departments. Students in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and other disciplines study:

• Water resources engineering
• Groundwater hydrology
• Water treatment technologies
• Sustainable water management

10.2 Student Projects and Research

Student projects provide hands-on experience with water-related topics:

• Investigating water quality
• Designing treatment systems
• Conducting hydrological studies
• Developing innovative solutions to water challenges

10.3 Seminars, Workshops, and Industrial Visits

RUET regularly organizes seminars and workshops on water management and sustainability. Industrial visits to water treatment facilities provide practical exposure to real-world water management operations.

Notable Event: Workshop on "Faecal Sludge Management: A Solution to Sanitation Problems in Cities" (May 2025)

10.4 Public Awareness

SDG awareness posters, including SDG 6, are displayed across campus to promote sustainable development goals among students and staff.

11. Community Outreach and Social Impact

11.1 Awareness Campaigns

RUET conducts awareness campaigns on:

• Water conservation
• Responsible water use
• Sanitation
• Environmental sustainability

Notable Event: "Clean Water, Clean Future" campaign (April 25, 2026) – Included keynote speeches, panel discussions, student presentations, and exhibitions of innovative water solutions.

11.2 Humanitarian Initiatives

• Water purifier distribution programs for flood-affected communities
• Awareness programs on safe drinking water and sanitation for vulnerable populations

11.3 Partnerships with Government and Industry

RUET collaborates with government agencies, industry partners, and other academic institutions on water research and sustainable water management.

Notable Conference: International Conference on Civil Engineering Research and Innovations (ICCEI) 2025 – Provided a platform for sharing water research findings.

12. Sustainability Governance and Future Roadmap

12.1 Policies and Compliance

RUET is developing comprehensive policies for:

• Water quality management
• Water pollution reduction
• Sustainable water use
• Sanitation

These policies align with national environmental laws and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

12.2 Monitoring and Audits

• Regular water quality testing ensures purified water meets health standards
• Consumption monitoring identifies conservation opportunities
• Infrastructure maintenance ensures reliable performance

12.3 Future Targets

• Expand water-efficient practices throughout all buildings
• Implement smart water meters with real-time monitoring
• Enhance rainwater harvesting capacity through all four ponds
• Expand research and innovation in water management
• Increase community outreach and humanitarian initiatives
• Maintain and upgrade sanitation facilities

14. Conclusion

RUET demonstrates a comprehensive, institutional commitment to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Through:

• Infrastructure: 4 RO plants, multiple UV filters, 4 rainwater harvesting ponds, integrated water management system
• Conservation: Water-efficient fixtures, consumption monitoring, awareness campaigns
• Research: 50+ publications, 30+ funded projects (9.5+ million BDT)
• Education: Curriculum integration, student projects, seminars, workshops
• Community Impact: Humanitarian initiatives, partnerships, awareness campaigns
• Governance: Policy development, monitoring, future targets

RUET serves as a model of integrated water resource management, demonstrating how natural and engineered systems can work together to ensure water security while contributing to national and global sustainability goals.