Alexandria Engineering Journal (2019) 58, 303–313

H O S T E D BY
Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Water management as a vital factor for a

sustainable school
Rabab I. EL-Nwsany a,*, Ibrahim Maarouf b, Waled Abd el-Aal c
a
Teaching Assistant in Department of Architecture, Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology, AlQantara Al-Bayda, Kafr
El-Sheikh, Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt
b
Associate Professor of Architecture in Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Lotfy El-Syed St.
off Gamal Abd El-Nasser – Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate 11432, Egypt
c
Assistant Professor of Architecture in Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Lotfy El- Syed
St. off Gamal Abd El-Nasser – Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate 11432, Egypt

Received 23 October 2018; revised 10 December 2018; accepted 15 December 2018

Available online 4 January 2019

KEYWORDS Abstract Water is essential in educational buildings as it serves several purposes, such as: drinking,
Sustainable water manage- cleaning, and construction work. Therefore, it is necessary to rationalize its consumption for its
ment; importance, as it is the core of the current water wealth and it is one of the most controversial issues
Sustainable school; in achieving the concept of sustainability. Egypt is facing a lot of problems and pressure on water
Greywater; supplies. Adopting water sustainability in schools is basically focused on reducing consumption,
Rainwater; water collection, and water recycling. The paper tackles and highlights the sustainable methods,
Guidelines technique, and initiatives that are implemented in the internal and external design of school build-
ings, how to manage sustainable water in schools, in addition to an access to guidelines and recom-
mendations on future proceedings for more sustainable schools. This research aims to provide easy-
to-read guideline to facilitate the management of sustainable water in schools. It includes guidance
on the application of sustainable water utilization and sustainable drainage, during the stages of
school design and operation. The study discusses sustainable water management in some of the glo-
bal schools in various areas of the world, where these schools have successfully adopted water effi-
ciency and preservation standards and applied the criteria and measures of sustainability.
Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction

World water supply is finite and limited. As the request for

* Corresponding author at: Higher Institute for Engineering and water continues to mount, the pressing need to conserve water
Technology, No. AlQantara Al-Bayda, Kafr El-Sheikh, Kafr El
shall increase correspondingly, in order to preserve freshwater
Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. supplies. Water management is one of the main elements of the
E-mail address: eng_rabab_2010@yahoo.com (R.I. EL-Nwsany). overall drive of sustainable development. Egypt is put under
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria pressure regarding water supplies, especially during the
University. growing crisis of energy, the extreme shortage of resources,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.12.012
1110-0168 Ó 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
304
and the problems of the Renaissance Dam. Pressures on the
water systems may arise from issues as population increase
and the climatic change effects [1]. To overcome these chal-
lenges, it is necessary to adopt a sustainable approach towards
water management. This can be promoted by seeking to con-
serve water and effectively use water technologies as much as
possible.
Water covers 70% of the earth and represents about 70% of
the human body. Even though it is essential for life, it’s con-
jointly a robust force of change and destruction. Paul Simon
predicts that the main cause of the next wars will be water,
not oil [2]. More recently, water shortage has become an issue
of growing importance all over the world. It is now known that
water has become one of the most debatable resources of the
future, whereas it is becoming limited and requires better and
more cautious consumption in the future. Managing our use
of water in a sustainable manner should positively contribute
to the goals of sustainable development, which are defined as:
meeting the requirements of the current time, without prejudice
to the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs [3].
The management of sustainable water aims to assort the
various aspects of water management, and maximize benefits.
This can be done through several processes such as: water
reuse, water collection, and minimum water consumption.
Nature maintains a delicate equilibrium through ecosystem
processes, while the irrational human consumption causes
imbalance [4]. Sustainable water management can be thought
of as: the minimization of water use through making changes
to the behavior of users, in addition to the application of water
efficiency technology.
Schools use large quantities of water daily, whereas they
need water in many areas within and outside the school such
as: the heating and cooling systems, toilets, drinking and taps,
cafeteria, laboratories, outdoor playing areas, landscaping. In
addition to the awareness and the educational aspects pro-
vided by the school in support of sustainability [5], it is impor-
tant to promote the management of sustainable water within
schools, because of the planned school construction program
and the pivotal role played by schools in our community to
motivate students regarding water keeping in the growth
phase.
Research Importance: The paper tackles and highlights the
sustainable methods, techniques, and initiatives maintained
during the internal and external design of the school buildings,
how to manage sustainable water in schools, in addition to an
access to guidelines and recommendations on future proceed-
ings for more sustainable schools.
This research aims to provide easy-to-read guideline to
facilitate the management of sustainable water in schools. It
includes guidance on the application of sustainable water uti-
lization and sustainable drainage on the stages of school design
and operation. The study discusses sustainable water manage-
ment in some of the global schools in various areas of the
world, where these schools have successfully adopted water
efficiency and applied the criteria and standards of
sustainability.
The research methodology Firstly deduces from literature
review and the concepts involved in sustainable water manage-
ment. It discusses how water can be utilized more sustainably
in schools, how the guideline may contribute to sustainability
and why sustainability is important. It also indicates several
advantages that schools can gain from adopting the practices
R.I. EL-Nwsany et al.
of sustainable water management. It provides an outline of
the current guideline and the optimal practices recommenda-
tions for water conservation (Including reinstalling water-
efficient devices in the new buildings, rainwater and gray water
collection) to be applied within and outside schools. The sec-
ond part feeds the guidelines of sustainable water from the case
studies and provides easy-to-read guideline to facilitate the sus-
tainable management of water in schools, and the sustainable
use of water and drainage during the phases of schools design
and operation. The guideline is applicable to improving the
aspects of the daily operation and maintenance of the school,
designing new schools, or refurbishing existing schools.
The three cases, namely: Chesswood Middle School, Beau-
mont Community Primary School, and Sidwell Friend’s
School. These schools adopted and applied the measures of
water efficiency, water preservation and maintenance, as well
as sustainable water management, based on their recent oper-
ations. The three schools differ in terms of size, environmental
conditions, and the nature of climate. These cases are analyzed
and the applied sustainable methods or initiatives were
explained. The analysis shows how sustainable water was man-
aged in these schools, offers easy-to-read guidelines and
instructions to support the management of sustainable water
in schools, and provides access to conclusions and recommen-
dations on future proceedings, measures, and steps to be taken
for more sustainable schools.
2. Sustainable water management
Water may be a major limited resource for human welfare and it
is renewable, only if it is well managed. Managed expeditiously,
water plays a main role in promoting the resilience of the envi-
ronmental, social, and economic systems in the face of the fast
and unpredictable changes. Sustainable water management can
be considered as the reduction of water use through changes in
the user behavior, accompanied by application of water effi-
ciency technology. Water bills reduced as an outcome of low
water consumption can be beneficial to schools [3].
The application of water sustainable systems in schools is
a great opportunity for educating children about the advan-
tages of preserving our natural resources. Whereas these sys-
tems save cash by not wasting water, and help to instill an
environmentally responsible attitude in the next generation.
Water conservation represents a main portion of the increas-
ingly important issue of sustainability and will help students
focus on social liability, which is one of the major elements
of the sustainable development. The concept of sustainable
water management aims at supporting economic, social,
and educational development, in addition to protecting the
environment [6]. This concept can be materialized through
following the best management applications that work on
using water more efficiently. It is an important concept which
can be integrated into schools. Sustainable schools are
designed to enhance efficient water utilization, save as much
money as possible, while conserving water. To achieve this,
the school reduces water consumption; controls and reduces
water flow onsite; retains gray water and re-uses it to the
maximum extent possible. Following are some of the meth-
ods and approaches for applying sustainable water manage-
ment on school buildings:
Water management as a vital factor
– School sanitation facilities are among the most widely used
water facilities so water-saving appliances, such as: low-flux
faucets and appliances with small economic flush tanks can
be used.
– Use advanced irrigation methods such as dripping and
rationalization. Choose the appropriate times for irrigation
to reduce evaporation and select local plants that adapt to
the nature of the site.
– Reuse the water so that the gray water is separated from the
water used in the sewers.
– Use natural water sources such as rainwater through instal-
ling formations and elements of design that work on collect-
ing water.
3. The importance of sustainable water management in school
Schools use an outsized quantity of water every day for heating
and cooling systems, toilets, water taps, cafeterias, laboratories,
outdoor playgrounds, and landscaping. Additionally, it takes
tremendous quantities of energy to pump and treat water.
Reducing water use by adopting and promoting economical
products and practices can help communities to satisfy water
demands, save energy, and decrease stress on our natural
resources [7]. One way of achieving this is through making
changes to the people’s attitude towards using water more
efficiently.
Water conservation aims to reduce water consumption.
This can be achieved through changing the attitude of the peo-
ple towards using water more efficiently. The educational envi-
ronment provides excellent opportunities to adopt water
conservation approach. The additional benefit is, of course,
that if students come to regard water conservation as the
norm, then it is more likely that there will be a change in
how water is used across the society as a whole.
The water efficiency program is a sustainable water man-
agement strategy that will also offer chances as an educational
resource. Students not only can see the process of conserving
and saving water in action, but may also actively participate
in helping to collect data on the savings achieved through
installing new devices that are more efficient, in terms of water
consumption, than traditional devices. The collected informa-
tion can be examined and analyzed, which is useful for curric-
ula such as math and science [3].
Sustainable water management aims at supporting eco-
nomic, social, and educational development, as well as protect-
ing and improving the environment. This can be accomplished
through adopting the best management applications that work
on the most efficient utilization of water [8]. It is an associate
and innovative approach to water management within the
environment. Such approach aims to: coordinate the various
aspects of water management, and maximize benefits through
integration of the different components. Sustainable water
management can offer schools financial, environmental, and
educational benefits. Such benefits include: cost savings for
either water or sewerage charges, in addition to simpler man-
agement of surface runoff [3].
Integrating sustainability into each aspect of school life not
only benefits our environment, but also helps schools to dimin-
ish their costs, and communities to enhance their quality of life.
The importance of water management in school was summa-
rized below:
305
(1) Decreases your water and energy costs: Water efficiency
decreases your school’s water and energy costs, meaning
that you can do more with your current school budget.
(2) Builds young leaders and provides learning opportuni-
ties: Water efficiency activities provide excellent leader-
ship chances and practical learning activities for your
students, plus occupational development for you and
your colleagues.
(3) Establishes a strong school culture based on good com-
munication and common goals: Getting the whole school
to work together allows you to share your successes.
(4) Raises the school’s profile: When the school participates
in water efficiency activities, it relates to the community
through partnerships and local networks. This is increas-
ingly important for school reputation as students, teach-
ers, and parents look for approaches to combat climate
change and other environmental issues facing our
communities.
(5) Contributes to attaining a better environment through
adopting water efficiency: You will build a better and
more sustainable planet for the current time and for gen-
erations to come.
4. How can water be used more sustainably in school?
Sustainable schools minimize the use of potable water inside
the buildings, and reduce or eliminate its use for irrigation out-
side the building. The quantities of potable water used in the
latrines and drains can be diminished using gray water, surface
water, or non-water urinals. Demonstrating the collection of
rainwater and its ultimate use to water gardens, for example,
can be part of the sustainable curriculum [9]. Water efficiency
applications also work on providing a good chance for schools
to educate students about water conservation.
Sustainable water management can be thought of in terms
of two key elements: water conservation, and water efficiency.
Water conservation is concerned with minimizing water use,
while water efficiency places more emphasis on ensuring that
the used amounts of water are not in excess of the needed ones
through, for instance, the application of technology. When
both approaches are used in an integrated way, they should
benefit schools owing to: the lower water bills resulting from
the reduced water consumption while decreasing the costs of
drainage charges simultaneously. The hierarchy of sustainable
water application is always used as follows:
(1) Water preservation and behavior change.
(2) Techniques of water efficiency.
(3) Use of sanitary water.
The establishment of a sustainable school is one of the pri-
orities of the sustainable design of educational buildings and
the methods followed to rationalize diversified consumption.
This is done by implementing the following steps:
 Water supply systems and sanitary tools can be chosen to
decrease water consumption and losses. The use of low-
flow water taps and small toilet tanks can be a practical
solution to reduce clean water consumption.
 We can minimize the building’s needs of clean water by
using school roofs to collect rainwater using water storage
306
tanks. Rainwater may be used without treatment to irrigate
the plants or to feed the flush tanks of toilets and
bathrooms.
 Growing plants that fit into the local environmental system
of the school site minimizes the consumption of water.
Local plants adjust to the natural rainfall and don’t demand
additional irrigation. When irrigation is needed, advanced
irrigation techniques must be utilized to prevent waste
water.
5. Sustainable water management strategies in schools and how
to apply them effectively
Water is a priceless resource that must be handled effectively
both indoors and outdoors. Water conservation must be our
priority in the present world. Water conservation should focus
on the needs and drivers for lowering water consumption,
maintaining water sustainability, overcoming future water
shortages, and facing climate change, and so on. It will be lar-
gely an educational process, through teaching the best prac-
tices and drawing the attention of the students to consider
the actions that can help resolve water shortage.
The utilization of water in the operational processes inside
the buildings is an efficient way to conserve the water accessi-
ble on-site, this is achievable through installing water-efficient
devices and equipments, landscaping using drought-resistant
plants. Additionally, changing irrigation practices can
decrease water consumption by 30% or more. So as to con-
serve both water and energy to the maximum extent possible,
the following steps must be applied to the sustainable design
process [10]:
(1) Diminish the quantities of water required to run the
school either indoors or outdoors.
(2) Assess various water uses: distinguishing between those
that can be fulfilled using raw water (untreated), and
those requiring treated water.
(3) Assess strategies to provide the desired raw water supply
using the resources available on site.
To reduce water use in school, you must follow water con-
servation strategies for both indoor and outdoor water use.
The water management strategies will allow you to be familiar
with the water distribution systems serving the school, the
areas where water is used, along with potential areas for
wastage and leakage.
5.1. Indoor water design
Being efficient with indoor water use reduces the quantity of
water that needs to be treated and pumped to schools. Dimin-
ishing the quantity of water used by sinks and showers will also
save energy for heating and transporting water, which will ulti-
mately benefit schools financially [11]. Several ways to decrease
water use indoors are summarized below [5]:
– Install timed taps or motion sensors that will automatically
close when not in use.
– Buy water-efficient toilets and taps soon. Substitute old
models with more advanced ones that utilize less water,
R.I. EL-Nwsany et al.
and can sustain their value over the lifetime of the
fixture.
– Use toilet dams. In schools with toilet tanks, put toilet dams
inside the tank to take up space that would otherwise be
filled with water.
– Repair any leakage in taps and water fountains.
– Install aerators. These devices are installed at the tips of the
taps to decrease water flow and maintain high water
pressure.
– Replace old showerheads and faucets with new down-sized
models to reduce water use during showers in locker rooms.
5.2. Outdoor water design
The use of outdoor water for playgrounds and landscape irri-
gation represents a high proportion of water consumption in
schools. The efficient utilization of water must to be a main
concern in the development of landscaping outline for a sus-
tainable school. Choosing certain plant types that require min-
imal or no irrigation minimizes outdoor water demand and
consumption. Additionally, the enhancement of watering sys-
tem efficiency shall reduce the quantities of water needed to
meet this demand [12]. The utilization of outdoor water differs
greatly depending on the nature of the place and climate but
on average 50% of the water is utilized outdoors. There is a
massive chance to preserve water in school through landscape
design, operation, and maintenance. Several methods to mini-
mize the water wasted outdoors in landscaping are outlined
below [10]:
– During the construction process, enhance irrigation systems
properly by setting up an automatic shut-off appliance on
sprinkler systems when the rain falls. Make the best use
of natural plants and preserve the landscape.
– Local species are particularly suitable for this, as they adapt
to rainfall conditions. Therefore, you must use grass and
trees that require minimal water [13].
– Using drip irrigation systems to irrigate plants and adding
organic fertilizers or other alternative organic manure to
the soil. This will help the soil retain water so that schools
will not have to consume the water continuously.
– Installation of buried humidity sensors and connecting
them to watering timing devices to supply the roots with
the appropriate quantity of water, and then turn off water-
ing systems.
5.3. Onsite water reuse
On-site water systems represent a valuable portion of a
broader strategy to establish a sustainable school, with water
efficiency. Advantages of onsite water systems include [14]:
– Treatment of water only as needed for its proper end use.
– Minimize the consumption rate of potable water used in
water closets and for watering plants.
– Decreasing the amount rainwater flowing into the separate
and integrated sewage systems and storm drains.
– Making sure that the water and sewage infrastructure is
flexible and alterable.
Water management as a vital factor
5.3.1. Gray water systems
Gray water is defined as untreated wastewater that is not con-
taminated by feces, or unhealthy human waste [15]. Gray
water sources include showers, sinks, bathtubs and machines
washers [16]. However, it doesn’t include wastewater from
kitchen basins, dishwashers, and latrines, which is considered
black water (see Fig. 1). Several gray water systems clear water
before using it in non-potable applications. Some systems use
gray water as a source of irrigation, directly after filtration, by
connecting it to the underground root systems of plants [17].
Gray water usually works best for the underground irrigation
of grass and trees. All gray water produced daily should be uti-
lized or transferred to a normal sewage system.
5.3.2. Rainwater harvesting systems
Rainwater is often the purest, cleanest obtainable water. For
schools, rainwater systems may be utilized to aid students to
understand the practical application of the concept of sustain-
able utilization of natural resources. Furthermore, it can be
employed as an alternative plant irrigation system. Rainwater
systems collect water off clean impermeable surfaces (generally
roofs) and deliver the water to cisterns, where it can be kept till
Fig. 1 How does graywater systems work? Source: San Diego Graywater Rebates, 2016.
Fig. 2 Process planed of a potable water RWH system. Source: Thomas, T.H., and Martinson, D.B., 2007.
307
it is utilized. Rainwater systems are economical, simple to use
and maintain, if managed correctly [18] (see Figs. 2 and 3).
6. Case studies
Case studies where schools have successfully adopted water
efficiency, conservation, and maintenance measures are sum-
marized below. They include the benefits, measures, advan-
tages, and initiatives of cost saving, and the lessons learned.
Three schools were analyzed as case studies. The aim of ana-
lyzing these cases is to highlight the applied sustainable meth-
ods, technique, and initiatives; demonstrate how to manage
sustainable water in schools, in addition to an access to guide-
lines and recommendations on future proceedings, measures,
and steps for more sustainable schools. According to the
hypothesis, these schools have applied the principles of sus-
tainable water management inside schools, which adopted
water efficiency and conservation measures, based on its recent
practices, activities and applications.
6.1. Chesswood middle school, worthing
The school is a mixed primary school with 480 students
between 9 and 13 years old, with a total of 43 adult staff
308
Fig. 3 Explain the water flow diagram in the RTRWH system. Main components: ceiling, gutters, first flow device (first rain separator),
rain barrel with filter, faucet and recharging. Source: RAINWATERCLUB (Editor) (n.y.): Rainwater Harvesting: Rain barrel.
on-site. The project, undertaken in 2000, aimed to discover
which particular water efficient fittings were likely to provide
the largest water savings, and determine what the pecuniary
returns would be. Current water audits were run using equip-
ments, devices, and facilities. Urinals, latrines, and faucets
used the largest shares of water [19]. The approved water sav-
ing criteria are described below:
– Passive infrared urinal controls: These controls detect the
person coming into the bathroom and flush 20 min after
the first time a person utilized the urinals. Saving water
by 68%.
– Adjusting push faucets in washrooms: The majority of fau-
cets have been modified, resulting in lower costs, if com-
pared to the standard taps. These faucets have a built-in
flow barrier to adjust the flow rate and duration using filter.
Saving water by 13%.
– Flux restricting valves: Fitted to the classroom faucets sup-
ply pipes and set to supply a specified flow of water. Saving
insignificant amount of water.
– Tank displacement appliances: A small pack, containing
water absorbent polymer holding water, was dropped inside
the latrine tank. The polymer soaks up water, lowering each
flow by 1 L. Saving water by 3.5–6.4%.
– Water barrels: Fixed on the bottom pipes to gather rainwa-
ter from surfaces and are utilized for irrigation.
The table below summarizes the costs of a number of com-
ponents, together with the calculated benefits of water supply:
Component Purchase and Water saving
installation costs benefits per annum
Urinal controls £960 £1360
Washroom taps £1116 £161
Cistern Free – supplied by Small, but useful
displacement Southern Water
devices
R.I. EL-Nwsany et al.
6.1.1. Results obtained from the application of water efficiency
measures
Before the adoption of these measures, water consumption
inside the school was 40% higher than the county record
4000 L/ pupil annually. After applying these measures, the
annual consumption decreased by 73%, which caused the bills
to decrease by about £3200. During a full school day, water
consumption decreased by 60% (from 8746 L to 3420 L).
The Annual Consumption per pupil became 1520 L, well
below the county scale.
6.2. Beaumont community primary school, Suffolk
The school, near Ipswich is a primary school and day nursery,
with a total of 102 students. The building was finished in 2003.
This was a newly built school, designed by Suffolk County
Council in cooperation with the private sector companies, with
the aim of creating environment friendly building, using as lit-
tle water as possible.
Rainwater harvesting was one of the concepts incorporated
into the school design, through storing water off the roof in an
underground tank, from where it can be pumped to be used to
clean urinals and latrines, and water gardens. The buildings
management system observes water and automatically gathers
data on the utilization of the water main and rainwater. In
addition, it detects any major increase in the amount of water
utilized during drought periods.
6.2.1. Results obtained from the application of water efficiency
measures
This school has followed an integrated approach towards
implementing water management strategy. Rainwater harvest-
ing, for example, provides benefits in terms of low demand on
main water (e.g. for toilet flushing and other non-sanitary
uses), while minimizing the amount of rainwater going to the
drainage system. In the 1styear, the school utilized 170 m3 of
water, of which 37% was collected rainwater. This annual
Water management as a vital factor
amount equals 1.66 m3 per pupil [3]. The keys to success were
to train staff and students on how to utilize water wisely and to
hold science and math classes using the data collected. Stu-
dents were encouraged to think of how to conserve water
within and outside the school.
6.3. Sidwell Friend’s school [20]
Sidwell Friends is a K-12 private school located on an area of
15 acres in the historic Tenley town, Washington, D.C., USA.
The building was finished in 2006. Smart water management is
one of the main elements of the project design. The wetland
built between the new and old suites of the middle school pro-
cesses wastewater from the kitchen and bathrooms and acts as
a living laboratory where students can learn about biology,
environment, and chemistry. The Waste Water Management
System cleans 3000 gallons of water every day.
After passing the stream through the landscape for 3–
5 days, the water is reused inside the building’s toilets and
cooling system. On-site wastewater treatment, water re-use,
and water-efficient native plants cut back the school’s water
consumption by 93 percent. Students planted vegetables and
herbs for the cafeteria on the green roofs that additionally
sequestered rainwater and reduced storm water flow. Surplus
water flows into the courtyard’s pond and rain garden. The fil-
ters and edges integrated in the landscaping purify rainwater
falling on the site. Potable water is not used for irrigation pur-
poses [21] (see Fig. 4).
6.3.1. Results obtained from the application of water efficiency
measures
Over 317,900 gallon of wastewater were prevented from enter-
ing the District of Columbia’s loaded overburdened down
facilities sanitary facilities annually, saving $1687 in sewer
charges. This reduced potable water consumption by a median
of 8500 gallons per month through re-using treated wastewater
Fig. 4 Natural waste water treating and reuse system. Source: Andropogon, A., Kieran, T.A., and Natural Systems International, The
wetland ‘‘machine” of Sidwell Friends Middle School, 2010.
309
to flush toilets. The system collected 68% of rainfall from one-
year storms, about 9820 gallons, in the green roof on the mid-
dle school addition. The school spread environmental aware-
ness among over 10,000 visitors who toured the site during
the first five years.
7. Results
After a brief description of the case studies, in which schools
have successfully adopted water efficiency and conservation
measures. The studies included the benefits, cost savings, and
lessons learnt. Therefore, the objective of the case studies
was to demonstrate how sustainable water management within
schools can work out? What are the best places to provide
water and utilize your water more productively? Where can
you achieve efficiency? Which areas consume most of the
water? and how can you engage the staff and students to make
changes to their behavior?
The main opportunities in your school depend on the
results of the audit as well as the school resources and geo-
graphical location. These opportunities may include replacing
inefficient equipments, installing vandal-proof taps, installing
rainwater tanks, improving cleaning operations, integrating
cleaning log to track faulty equipment, and growing drought
tolerant planting.
Here are some water efficiency solutions derived from case
studies that you could consider:
(1) Infrastructure
– Toilets: Install modern flush toilets. They only dis-
pense 3 L per half flush and either 4.5 or 6 L for a
complete flush, compared to up to 12 L for the older
single-flush toilet.
– Drinking fountains and taps: Place containers under
school water fountains and utilize excess water in t-
he garden.
310
– Hand basins and sinks: Equip the taps with aerators.
They diminish the quantities of water fluxing from
the tap by up to 50%, while maintaining the pressure.
– Hot water systems: Set up the thermostat or temper-
ature of your hot water so that you are not over-
heating the water unnecessarily and wasting energy.
– Evaporative air-cooling: Make sure that your system
is regularly serviced so it works efficiently and ensu-
re that leaks are found and fixed.
– Irrigation system: Install moisture sensors that acti-
vate the irrigation system only when the garden ne-
eds it.
– Canteens and classrooms: Diminish waste and save
money by encouraging refillable water bottles inste-
ad of having bottled water in your canteen and at
school events.
– Swimming pools, gardens and ovals: Utilize a pool
blanket when it’s not in use. Plant local drought to-
lerant plants that are more suitable for your local
climate. understand the water efficiency of your oval
irrigation system.
– Gutters and rain water tanks: Set up rainwater tanks
to collect water in order to be used for gardening/
or flushing toilets. Make sure you maintain gutters by
keeping them clear, so rainwater doesn’t overflow
and does not make it to the collection system.
(2) Behaviours
– Daily water use: Turn off taps when not in use and
consume only what you need. Set out good systems
and practices so that everyone thinks about the water
they utilize each day.
– Cleaning: Utilize a broom to sweep away leaves and
dirt instead of washing pathways.
– Gardening and Irrigation: A deeper and less frequent
irrigation can be better than daily light irrigation.
– Other school users: If other people also utilize your
water you will need to educate and encourage them
to follow your water plan.
(3) Engage your community
Talk to students, parents, and staff to get to know their
ideas. Working in partnership with your school community
is not just about sharing the workload, it gives you broader
opportunity to influence your community behaviors and
embed sustainable practices into school.
– Building relationships with parents, local businesses, and
community groups can help you achieve your goals through
care and hands-on support.
– Keep going and teach outside the school gates to have a
deeper impact regarding water efficiency and literacy in
your community.
The results of the case studies are providing easy-to-read
guideline to facilitate the management of sustainable water
in schools. It includes guidance on the application of sustain-
able water utilization and sustainable drainage on the stages
of school design and operation. Collate current information
on water efficiency, water conservation and sustainable drai-
R.I. EL-Nwsany et al.
nage within schools, demonstrate how sustainable water man-
agement within schools can operate, and provide guidance on
the specification of water efficient fixtures and fittings, as well
as the implementation of water conservation initiatives, and
changing behavior to minimize the consumption of water.
The aim of analyzing these cases is to highlight the sustainable
methods, techniques, and initiatives maintained during the
internal and external design of the school buildings, how to
manage sustainable water in schools and access to guidance
and recommendations on future proceedings, measures and
steps for more sustainable schools.
8. Discussion
Sustainable water management is a concept through which
social and economic development may be supported, through
the optimal management and use of water, while protecting
and improving the environment for the future. It is an impor-
tant concept that can and should be integrated into schools.
It is essential to take an integrated approach to the imple-
mentation of water management strategy. This means consid-
ering water conservation, water use efficiency, and sustainable
drainage systems together to maximize the possible benefits,
and reduce the costs of water management measures. Rainwa-
ter harvesting, for example, provides benefits in terms of low
demand on main water (e.g. for toilet flushing and other
non-sanitary uses), while minimizing the amount of rainfall
runoff going to the drainage system. This allows the sustain-
able drainage system to be kept to a minimum size, thus reduc-
ing costs. Also using this system should improve water quality,
while minimization of water use reduces the pressure put on
both water resources and the environment.
An integrated water management system can also offer ben-
efits in terms of energy efficiency. For example, green roof sys-
tems increase the thermal efficiency of the roof. Many water
efficiency technologies provide not only water saving, but also
energy efficiency in general; for example, the measures that
limit the flow of hot water through taps and showers save
water and energy. Following the best practices during the
design of the internal plumbing system will save water and
energy, by avoiding the use of long piping and ensuring that
pipes are well insulated, among other possible measures.
The main elements of sustainable water management
addressed in this approach are: Sustainable drainage systems,
sustainable water use, good practices in plumbing, and links
to the sustainable curriculum, in addition to promoting stu-
dents to be engaged in water education.
Sustainable water management can help and support
schools by providing benefits at the educational, financial,
and environmental level. Some examples of these benefits,
described in detail in this guideline- are summarized below:
– Education: Water conservation is a crucial part of the increas-
ingly important topic of sustainability, as it will help students
to focus on social responsibility. Social responsibility is a key
component of a sustainable development. Moreover, water
management can enhance the hydrological-cycle concept
and promote student’s involvement in water education.
– Financial savings/costs: Water conservation can reduce
water bills due to reduced water consumption. Water-
efficient devices can diminish water use further and thus
Water management as a vital factor
increase savings especially the components of high-
consumption, such as toilet flushing and urinals. Sustain-
able drainage systems may decrease sewage charges; Sub-
measurement of some demand components, such as land
watering, can provide a guide to the reduced bills of sewer-
age charges; and may help obtain planning permission to
build new schools or make major refurbishments in compli-
ance with the government policy. Water efficiency is likely
to be one of the key future considerations in government
policy to help address water scarcity issues. Sustainable
drainage systems provide an additional benefit, which is
not requiring an additional costly sewerage infrastructure.
Besides, a good plumbing design can reduce heating costs.
– Environment: Sustainable water management improves
water quality in the environment, and contributes to
increased biological and ecological diversity, while water
conservation helps reduce the demand for new water
resources. A good plumbing design diminishes energy con-
sumption. Furthermore, educating students helps to raise
awareness of humanity’s place in the world, and the unique
responsibilities that this entails.
9. Conclusions & recommendations
9.1. Conclusions
The Final guidelines on sustainable water management and its
application in schools, according to the case studies, are shown
in Table 1. This guide will give you key steps, actions, tips, and
links to resources and policies to help you apply water effi-
ciency in schools. The guide outlines the key steps to save
water and the best means to use the water that you do need.
 The most cost-efficient method to provide water in schools
is the installation of effective urinal controls, with an
approximate payback period of less than one year. This
measure should be considered before any other water effi-
ciency options are implemented.
 In-line flow restrictors are unlikely to reflect statistically sig-
nificant water savings, but could be financially attractive, if
considered as an alternative to water-efficient taps. They aid
maintenance and the costs could be kept down if installed
as part of routine maintenance visits.
 Save-a-flush bags are an easy retrofit measure: Although it
is unlikely that they shall contribute to large water savings,
they offer a low cost solution for older type toilets. Where
washrooms are due to be refurbished, consideration should
be given to water-efficient toilets.
 Increase awareness among the public regarding the global cli-
matic effects on Egypt and on rainwater collection as a means
of adapting to water issues resulting from climate change.
 Educate school children on the effects of global climate
change on our water sources, and on the strategies of adapt-
ing to the climatic change. Encourage the teachers to dis-
cuss the advantages and benefits of water conservation
and the methods that could get the students involved in
using less water.
 Provide students and staff with information on water con-
servation, so they can incorporate water efficiency practices
into classroom activities.
311
 Regular maintenance and checks should be part of each
school routine to ensure continued water savings by future
water-use programmers.
 Schools seeking to improve the biodiversity of their grounds
are encouraged to take a whole of school approach to sus-
tainability. A whole school approach helps you build a con-
structive school culture and achieve greater environmental
outcomes.
 The systems of storm water are principally not applicable to
the Egyptian case because of insufficient rainfall, but similar
systems can be utilized to benefit of the wasted runoff and
limited rain may limit the water resources utilized on site.
Adding rain gardens and green roofs . . .etc. would facilitate
collecting water though on a very little scale. This does
not include only rain, but also normal runoff instead of
losing it.
9.2. Recommendations
 The use of gray water and waste water ought to be taken
into consideration because of the water crisis, which can
increase within the upcoming years and every drop of water
will be valuable.
 The mass media does not shed light on, interact with, or
support sustainability, at all the support of the mass media
would spread educational and public awareness.
 Relate the methods of water conservation and protection of
nature to economical values to be a motive for wider
application.
 Water treatment systems are utilized differently in the three
studied schools, but continuous provisions are needed to
diminish the use of drinking water to a minimum.
 Storm water management systems, to avoid wasting water,
must to promoted and provided as a way to overcome the
water scarceness.
 Make sure that water sustainability and its benefits are
included in different curricula to increase knowledge and
awareness. Get students excited about (Science, Technol-
ogy, Engineering and Mathematics) to enhance student
engagement in water education.
 The guidelines stand as the point of change regarding
the current situation and the application of various
standards of sustainable water management. There is a
requirement for deeper analysis and calculations to
weigh this list.
 Talk to experts who work every day to get the most out of
water like plumbers, sports grounds keepers, local councils,
and recreation officers. Go to your local plant nursery for
information on planting and gardening, in order to main-
tain water efficiency.
 Make connections with other schools to see how they are
being water efficient. You could share ideas and resources.
Connect the work to your curriculum and learning oppor-
tunities whenever you can.
 Inspire your colleagues to get involved by helping them
understand how the increased savings and water efficiency
can benefit everyone. Collaborate with staff to figure out
what changes will be achievable and effective.
312 R.I. EL-Nwsany et al.

Table 1 Final guidelines on the management sustainable water in school. Source: author.
(1) Work along with your native water authority
Discuss how your school will conserve water and how to set realistic goals.
Induce your city and local schools to promote water conservation among children.
Teach about the water sustainability in your school and how effective it is.
Get publications, posters, and activities that promote water conservation in your school.
Evolve a water efficiency plan that translates opportunities into scheduled action.
Read meters monthly. Analyse water use over a school year and seasonally
(2) Foster water conservation culture among staff, students, and parents
Create a log so that staff, students, and cleaners can report damaged or leaking devices and appliances and make sure there is someone
responsible for fixing the leaks.
Hold school or community occasions that target water conservation actions and wastewater problems.
Compare and discuss water utilization over the year, beginning with the start of the program of water conservation.
Publish banners, posters, and colourful signs to enhance water conservation.
View your progress on advertisement boards and screens throughout the school.
(3) Harvest and recycle rainwater
Build rainwater collection system for plants irrigation and various non-potable uses.
Inspect the advantages and benefits of artificial grass versus grass on athletic fields to avoid wasting Water and maintenance costs.
(4) Create water- efficient irrigation methods
Set up irrigation timeline for seasonal changes over the year.
Adjust the automatic shutdown appliance on the sprinkler systems when the rain falls.
Make certain all the hoses have shut-off nozzles.
Install systems of drip irrigation on trees, shrubs, and sapling in place of sprinklers to save water.
(5) Go ‘‘low flow”
Introduction of water displacement devices, which have parallel packs or bottles in toilet tanks.
Fixing low-flow water aerators or motion sensor faucets that will close automatically when not in use.
Operators shall run school appliances only with basic loads and benefit from cold water cycle.
Re-adjust the water flow meter or tank with the water-saving toilets to dispense one gallon per flush.
Substitute old latrines, shower heads, and taps with low-volume regulator and timers.
(6) Minify water cooling and conditioning
Shutting the water cooling systems, if not in use.
Reducing cooling requirements by adjusting the air temperature regulator.
(7) Repair leaks
Schools should regularly check for leakages as part of their maintenance schedule or as a main task of their water ‘team’.
 One leaky toilet will waste quite 50 gallons of water every day.
 A dripping regulator or showerhead will waste up to 1,000 gallons per week.

Observe the faucets and toilets within and outside the school repeatedly.
check for leaks and set dates for reporting and repair.
You can utilize the data recorder to see if you lose water unexpectedly after working hours.
You can utilize the isolation valves on water pipes to isolate leakage.
(8) Use the school landscaped plots to attain water efficiency
Plant trees and drought-resistant plants that demand low water as they are acclimated to rainfall.
Apply mulch around trees and plants to cut down evaporation, promote plant cultivation, and control weeds.
Preserve existing plants for purposes of shade, humidity retention, and provision of wildlife habitat.
To help soil to retain water, you should add compost or other organic matter.
(9) Reduce water used in food preparation
Exchange standard pre-rinsing spray valve with low flow models.
promote the use of a dishwasher, as it uses 6 gallons while hand washing uses 3 gallons a minute.
vacuum and sweep floors and walkways instead of using water when possible.
(10) Repair running water issues
Check the areas around the school for corrosion because of rain runoff.
Add natural vegetation cover or water retention areas to stop too much corrosion.
Utilize penetrating roofs for parking zone and other areas.

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