Water

Water is the world's most precious resource. Water conservation and management are amongst the University's top priorities, and since the creation of the Water Conservation Committee (MWCC) in 2001, several programs have been implemented.

The main areas of water usage at Monash are for: grounds, domestic use (e.g. toilets, showers, hand basins and food preparation), laboratory teaching and research.

To see the most up-to-date information on Melbourne's water levels, please visit
Melbourne Water

What we're doing

Since its inception, the MWCC has developed a number of water-saving strategies. These include:

Utilization of roof water to fill ponds and fountains.
Installation of three 45,000L tanks that use stormwater and recycle irrigation runoff to water a sports oval.
Installation of nearly 5000 water-efficient valves onto plumbing fixtures as recommended by the 'Savewater Efficiency Service' through Yarra Valley Water audits.
Removal of inefficient laboratory equipment, such as stills and water aspirators, and replacing these with more efficient reverse osmosis filtering units and diaphragm pumps.

What you can do

To report dripping taps, leaks and other water wastage concerns at the University, contact Facilities and Services on your campus:
- Caulfield - 990 32159
- Clayton - 9905 1200
- Berwick - 9904 7020
- Gippsland - 9902 6222
- Parkville - 9903 9501
- Peninsula - 9904 4477
In laboratories, speak with your supervisor and request lab equipment upgrades if water is being wasted.
At home, take three minute showers, use buckets to collect grey water around the home and do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.

Additional information

Press releases:

Water saving a worthwhile education for Monash University. 3 April 2007 (MS Word)
Monash University - We're proudly water wise. 29 January 2007 (MS Word)
Water Conservation Subcommittee
Public lecture - A water sensitive future for Melbourne, 6th April 2009, Professor Tony Wong, EDAW and Monash University