Free Drinking Water

Provision of free and safe drinking water for students, staff and visitors through fountains and dispensers.

Executive Summary

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:

Campus Water Consumption Management Policy

Water Management Education and Awareness Policy

Water Security and Conservation Collaboration Policy

Water Usage Awareness Campaign Procedure

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

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01Sustainability and International Ranking Center – Oversight and Reporting

Leads the monitoring, SDG mapping, and reporting of the Free Drinking Water initiative in line with sustainability standards. Ensures institutional transparency and integrates water provision data into annual sustainability reports.

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02General Supplies and Services Department – Installation and Maintenance

Manages the placement, repair, and hygiene maintenance of all drinking fountains and dispensers across the campus. Guarantees functionality and cleanliness of water units for continuous service provision.

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03Medical Services Department – Health and Quality Control

Conducts periodic testing to ensure that the provided water meets Jordanian health and safety standards. Links water safety with public health and hygiene supervision.

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04Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC) – Laboratory Verification

Performs chemical and microbiological analyses of drinking water samples to ensure quality assurance. Provides certified verification and laboratory-based assurance of safe water quality.

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05Arena Complex and Hourani e-Learning Center – Accessibility Points

Host large-capacity water dispensers and fountains serving thousands of students and visitors daily. Ensure equal access to clean water in both academic and recreational spaces.

Activities

01Activities – Verified and Documented (2023–2025)

Campus Drinking Water Provision Program (Ongoing) AAU provides free and safe drinking water through over 40 fountains and cold dispensers located across all faculties, administrative buildings, and public areas. The General Supplies Department ensures continuous maintenance and cleaning according to the Campus Water Consumption Management Policy. This ongoing initiative ensures equitable access to water for all campus users.

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02Water Quality Testing and Verification Schedule (Quarterly)

The Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC), in coordination with the Medical Services Department, conducts routine chemical and bacteriological testing of drinking water samples to ensure compliance with Jordanian standards. This guarantees public safety and reinforces the trust in the university’s water quality control system.

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03Water Hygiene and Maintenance Training for Technicians (2025)

The Sustainability Center and Facilities Department organized hands-on training for maintenance personnel focusing on hygienic cleaning, filter replacement, and safety checks of water dispensers. This initiative strengthens preventive maintenance and promotes a culture of accountability in service quality.

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04“Refill Not Replace” Awareness Campaign (2025)

Under the Water Usage Awareness Campaign Procedure, the Sustainability and International Ranking Center launched an awareness campaign encouraging the use of reusable bottles and reducing single-use plastics. This campaign integrates environmental protection with the free water system, linking SDG 6 and SDG 12.

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05Water Accessibility Expansion Plan (2025)

As part of the Water Security and Conservation Collaboration Policy, AAU initiated a plan to expand access by adding new water dispensers near parking zones and green areas. This enhances inclusivity and accessibility of free drinking water for all campus users.

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
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.

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