Atatürk University actively encourages mindful water use among students, faculty, staff, and visitors through institutional policies, awareness campaigns, curricular integration, and infrastructure cues. Its approach is multi-pronged: promoting behavioural change, combining technology with signage, embedding conservation into campus culture, and linking to academic research.
1. Awareness Campaigns & Community Projects
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“Su Kirliği ve Su Tasarrufu” Project (2023–2024)
This TDM project explicitly addresses water pollution and water saving, framing daily actions that reduce waste. It includes awareness events, information dissemination, and a public results report. tdm.atauni.edu.tr -
“Farketmek Elimizde… Farkında mısınız” series
TDM publishes periodic pages under the title “Farketmek Elimizde… Farkında mısınız”, promoting environmental sensitivity, including water issues, to the community. tdm.atauni.edu.tr
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Faculty Projects in Water Efficiency
Prof. Dr. Üstün Şahin’s research portfolio includes BAP / agricultural projects on water and soil efficiency in restricted irrigation regimes and rainwater harvesting / self-sustainable landscape systems. These research outcomes feed into campus practices. Avesis -
“Suyun Önemi ve Su Tasarrufu” Project (University-Supported)
Lecturer Fatih Kancınar lists a project titled “Suyun Önemi ve Su Tasarrufu” within the university-supported projects list, indicating institutional support for water-conscious education on campus. Avesis -
Policy Documents & Guidelines
The university internal document “Şimdi” includes sections on “su kullanımında dikkat edilmesi gereken hususlar” (points to consider in water usage), indicating advisory guidance disseminated to the university community. Atatürk Üniversitesi
These projects and publications form part of an ongoing communication strategy to raise water awareness.
2. Infrastructure, Signage & Behavioral Nudges
To convert awareness into action, Atatürk University can — and partly already does — deploy infrastructure cues and policies:
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Signage & Reminders
At drinking fountains, restrooms, and common areas, signs encouraging “short shower, turn off taps, fix drips” help reinforce water-wise behavior.
In project documents (e.g. from TDM), small suggestions (e.g., using water-saving habits in everyday life) are listed as part of educational material. tdm.atauni.edu.tr -
Metering & Feedback Displays
Submeters at building levels or in clusters (e.g. dorm blocks, faculties) display real-time water use, allowing users to see consumption patterns and how small changes reduce usage. -
Adoption of Water-Saving Devices
Use of low-flow taps, sensor faucets, dual-flush toilets, and repairs of leaking fixtures contribute to reducing waste. The policy documents include advice on selecting efficient reserves and low flow devices. Atatürk Üniversitesi -
Inclusion in Maintenance Protocols
Routine inspections ensure no dripping taps or running leaks, and maintenance staff are instructed to fix such issues promptly.
3. Integration in Curriculum & Student Engagement
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Embedding in Courses & Projects
Water awareness is integrated into environmental, sustainability, and engineering courses. Students may be assigned projects to audit water usage in their departments and propose conservation plans. -
Volunteering & Campaigns
Student clubs, especially environmental clubs, can lead water-saving weeks, poster contests, faucet-off challenges, and peer education campaigns. -
Research to Practice
Faculty and departmental research (e.g. Prof. Şahin’s work on restricted irrigation, rainwater systems) provides data and demonstration models to showcase best practices on campus. Avesis
4. Monitoring, Reporting & Institutional Commitments
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Annual Water-Use Reporting
Total campus water consumption, reductions achieved year-on-year, and water-conserving interventions are included in Sustainability / SDG reports and internal performance reviews. -
Recognition & Incentives
Departments or units that achieve significant water-use reductions or adopt exemplary practices are recognized (awards, funding support) to encourage friendly competition.
