Water Reuse Measurement

Measurement and reporting of reused water volumes to support sustainability planning.

Introduction

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) implements an integrated and highly structured framework for measuring, documenting, and reporting water reuse across all campus facilities. This system ensures that every stage of water recovery – from collection to treatment to reintegration – is monitored with precision, forming a core component of the university’s long-term sustainability planning.

The measurement process follows a unified governance model supported by officially approved institutional policies and procedures that define the methodology, quality assurance requirements, and operational standards necessary to ensure consistency and reliability across all units.

Within this framework, AAU conducts regular monitoring cycles in which reused water volumes are evaluated, validated, and incorporated into the university’s Sustainability Dashboard and Annual Sustainability Report. This approach enhances transparency, strengthens data reliability, and enables evidence-based decision-making regarding water management, infrastructure development, and campus operations.

The continuous measurement of reused water supports AAU’s commitment to resource circularity and reinforces progress toward SDG 6.3 by improving water quality management and SDG 6.4 through enhanced water-use efficiency. By adopting a rigorous, policy-driven measurement system, the university demonstrates sector-leading practices in sustainable water governance and contributes meaningfully to responsible environmental stewardship within the higher education sector.

Relevant Policies and Procedures (with links):

Water Reuse Procedure

Water Treatment and Reuse Policy

Water Consumption Measurement Procedure

Water Security and Conservation Collaboration Policy

Centers and Departments

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01Sustainability and International Ranking Center – Data Oversight and Reporting

Coordinates water reuse data collection and ensures its integration into SDG reports, dashboards, and national sustainability frameworks. Responsible for ensuring data accuracy and transparency in institutional reporting.

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02Facilities and General Supplies Department – Measurement and Operation

Operates water meters at treatment outlets and reuse distribution points, and records daily flow data for analysis. Acts as the primary source of verified operational data for reuse volume tracking.

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03Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC) – Water Quality Verification

Performs monthly lab analyses to confirm that measured reuse water meets Jordanian standards for irrigation and non-potable use. Provides scientific validation of data reliability and environmental compliance.

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04Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research – Technological Innovation

Develops sensor-based water measurement tools and research prototypes for advanced data analytics. Supports innovation and continuous improvement in water monitoring systems.

Activities

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01Establishment of Reuse Measurement System

Under the Water Consumption Measurement Procedure, AAU installed dedicated meters at wastewater treatment outlets and reuse pipelines. Data are recorded daily and reviewed monthly by the Sustainability Center. This system forms the basis of AAU’s quantitative tracking of reused water.

02Integration with Sustainability Dashboard

The Sustainability and International Ranking Center developed a digital dashboard that compiles data from smart meters, enabling real-time visualization of water reuse volumes. This enhances decision-making and supports institutional planning for water efficiency.

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03Periodic Laboratory Validation of Reuse Water (Quarterly)

The PDRC conducts chemical and microbiological testing of reused water samples every quarter to validate safety and quality of the measured volume. This ensures that all measured reused water meets legal reuse standards.

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04Annual Water Reuse Reporting and Trend Analysis

Collected data are analyzed annually and included in the AAU Sustainability Report to show progress in water reuse rates and efficiency trends. This transparent reporting links data measurement with long-term planning.

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05Student Research and Capacity Building on Water Monitoring

The Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research involved engineering students in projects developing IoT-based measurement prototypes for future water reuse tracking. This strengthens innovation capacity and student engagement in sustainability research.

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Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

Performance Evaluation

Efficiency increase: 56% growth in reuse volume since 2022
Reuse coverage: 100% of irrigation and cleaning operations supplied by reused water
Reporting accuracy: 100% data validated and included in sustainability reports

Development Actions

Action 1: Implement automated data logging through smart meters connected to central servers for real-time tracking. Action 2: Expand metering coverage to include rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse pipelines. Action 3: Develop a monthly Water Reuse Performance Bulletin published by the Sustainability Center. Action 4: Collaborate with local water authorities to align data formats with national environmental reporting frameworks. Action 5: Introduce AI-based analytics for trend prediction and sustainability planning optimization.
Benchmarking & Best Practice
Adopted Practice: Aligned with ISO 14046 Water Footprint Standards and Jordan’s National Water Strategy (2023–2040) requiring quantitative monitoring of reused water. Local Adaptation: AAU’s reuse measurement system integrates digital metering and manual verification logs adapted for Jordan’s semi-arid climate, ensuring data reliability and continuity even during seasonal fluctuations. Future Benchmark Goal (by 2028):
- Achieve full smart metering coverage of all reuse sources and pipelines.
- Increase total reuse volume by 50% compared to 2024 baseline.
- Integrate measurement data directly with carbon and sustainability performance indicators.
Institutional Integration Summary Water reuse measurement at AAU is a core part of its sustainability governance, combining data management, operations, and scientific verification. The Sustainability and International Ranking Center supervises data analytics, while the Facilities Department handles meter readings and system maintenance, and the PDRC verifies quality. This structure ensures evidence-based sustainability planning, allowing AAU to make informed decisions that optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Through transparent data, technological innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation, AAU demonstrates measurable progress toward SDG 6.3 (Reuse and Quality) and SDG 6.4 (Water Efficiency), positioning itself as a national leader in quantitative water sustainability management.