Ensure access to safe water sources and sanitation for all.
Goal 6 aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean drinking water and sanitation, billions of people—mostly in rural areas—still lack these basic services.
Taking Action
Initiatives at Brock University
Water Refill Stations 
Brock has 44 water refill stations across campus that can be used to reduce the need for single use plastic bottles. There are many negative effects from the use of single use plastics, and any effort made by using these water refill stations is greatly appreciated.
A brief description of the University’s water recovery and reuse initiatives:
One of Grounds Services main objectives is to conserve water. This is being achieved by using automated watering systems that started being used in 2004, with scheduling being monitored and regulated as precipitation rates change. Since 2011, water is also saved by prioritizing areas such as the varsity fields, and only watering as needed, while also stopping to water some areas altogether. Rain and Wind Sensors that shut down the watering systems under conditions where extra water is not needed were installed in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Gray water systems have also been added to the International Centre for toilets, and the Cairns Complex for irrigation.
Plaza Building
The Plaza Building has a 45,000L cistern which supplies gray water to the toilets and urinals for the building, in combination with the use of low flow fixtures. The International Building has a 50,000L cistern uses the same low flow fixtures as well as gray water for urinals and toilets at the time of build in 2010, this would have provided a 41% reduction in water usage comparative to buildings during that era.
Washroom Facilities
Existing toilets are being replaced with new low-flow technology, in order to save water. Recently, Welch Hall’s units were replaced with 24 dual flush toilets, 3 low flush toilets, and 8 urinals. This has led to annual water savings of 601,000L.
Plumbing systems
Brock’s bathrooms are equipped with a dual flushing mechanism to conserve water. The feature is a strategy implemented to use less water when not needed.
Initiatives in the Niagara Region
Water Wagon
The Water Wagon Program offers clean drinking water to non-for-profit and charity events located in Niagara from May through October. This wagon holds 3400L of water, saving an astonishing 6,800 single use water bottles.
Biosolids Master Plan Review
The Niagara Region has completed a Biosolid Management Master Plan to learn management of biosolids generated by the regions water and water treatment facilities.
Small drinking water systems
Small Drinking Water Systems are mainly businesses or locations which provide their own water to the public, typically through a private well or cistern. The small drinking water systems allow water access to public places such as restaurants, hotels, recreational facilities, public washrooms etc. Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency services is required to routinely inspect these systems, respond to adverse water quality incidents and investigate complaints.
Wastewater Solutions in Niagara Region
An environmental assessment for a new wastewater treatment plant is underway for the South Niagara Falls area.
Individual Actions
Did you know the earth contains 3% freshwater, with 2.5% frozen in glaciers, leaving only 0.5% for humanity and ecosystems? Water scarcity affects over 40% of people around the world.
- Dispose of unused pills properly.
- Flushing them leads to contamination in groundwater and lakes.
- Watch what you wash and watch what you buy.
- One load of laundry can release more than 700,000 micro plastic fibres.
- By buying natural products over synthetic this can be prevented.
- Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
- Vinegar is a cheap effective solution compared to chemical products. You can naturally scent vinegar with pine, cedar, or citrus peels! Infuse for 1-2 weeks or 1 month then transfer into a spray bottle for eco-friendly and DIY multi-use cleaner!
- Support the water wagon project, giving clean water to those in need.
- Go to car washes that recycle their water.
- Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth.
- Reduce your water consummation and energy by getting a “Green Plumber”
- Hold fundraising days for world water day.
- Conserve and think of ways to reuse leftover water.
- For example, don’t dump watered ice use it to water plant.
- Always try to fix leaks as quickly as possible.
