Provision of free and safe drinking water for students, staff and visitors through fountains and dispensers.
Free Drinking Water (6.3.3)
Introduction:
Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) ensures the continuous provision of free, safe, and accessible drinking water to all students, staff, and visitors throughout its campus. This initiative is a fundamental part of the university’s Water Sustainability Framework, aiming to uphold public health, promote hydration, and reduce plastic waste generation.
The provision and quality of drinking water are managed under several institutional procedures and policies that ensure safety, accessibility, and sustainability, including:
Through these documents, AAU guarantees the quality testing, maintenance, and accessibility of all drinking water dispensers and fountains across academic buildings, sports facilities, dormitories, and public spaces ensuring compliance with SDG 6.1 (Access to Safe and Affordable Drinking Water for All).
Centers and Departments:
Activities:
Impact Evaluation & Development Plan
- Performance Evaluation
- Coverage: 100% of faculties and administrative buildings equipped with free drinking water access points.
- Quality Assurance: Quarterly lab tests confirm that all water meets national standards for potable use.
- Maintenance: Monthly cleaning and filtration maintenance by the General Supplies Department.
- Sustainability Impact: Reduced consumption of bottled water by ~30% between 2023–2025.
- Community Satisfaction: Surveys report 95% satisfaction rate among students and staff regarding access and quality.
- Development Actions
Action 1: Install additional dispensers in outdoor spaces to ensure full accessibility for visitors and sports facilities.
Action 2: Implement smart water quality sensors for continuous monitoring and real-time reporting of dispenser conditions.
Action 3: Integrate water access data into the university’s sustainability dashboard for transparent tracking.
Action 4: Continue awareness campaigns promoting reusable bottles and plastic waste reduction.
Action 5: Expand collaboration with national water authorities to maintain high safety and sustainability standards.
- Benchmarking & Best Practice
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Adopted Practice: Aligned with Jordanian Drinking Water Quality Standards (JS 286/2015) and WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, ensuring continuous supply of potable water.
Local Adaptation: AAU applies decentralized dispenser networks, periodic filtration replacement, and hygiene protocols tailored to the Jordanian climate and student population.
Future Benchmark Goal (by 2028):
- Maintain 100% safe water compliance verified by quarterly tests.
- Increase dispenser coverage by 20%.
- Achieve zero plastic bottle campus by 2028 through refill campaigns.
Institutional Integration Summary
The provision of free drinking water at AAU is embedded in the university’s sustainability governance structure and directly linked to the Sustainability and International Ranking Center, General Supplies Department, Medical Services Department, and PDRC.
Each unit plays a distinct yet coordinated role in ensuring that the water provided is safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible.This integration showcases AAU’s holistic commitment to public health, equity, and sustainability.
The initiative not only addresses SDG 6.1 but also supports SDG 3 (Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) through plastic reduction and behavioral awareness—demonstrating measurable and verifiable institutional impact. -