Turning campus rainwater into a new water source
Enschede, the Netherlands
At Saxion University of Applied Sciences, rooftop rainwater could become a new source of high-quality water. The NEW WATER pilot will collect and treat rainwater to drinking water quality, replacing drinking water currently used as process water in campus laboratories.
Pilot process
target pilot output
expected annual production
treatment routes under evaluation
These numbers represent targets; performance to be validated.
Why rainwater, why Enschede?
Location: Saxion campus, Enschede, the Netherlands
Lead partner: Saxion University of Applied Sciences
Source: rainwater from building rooftops
Intended use: process water for campus laboratories
Water supplies in Twente are under increasing pressure
Saxion is exploring how rainwater collected on campus could ease demand for conventional drinking water supplies. The pilot brings together researchers, students and technology partners to test a local alternative for laboratory process water.
Collect
Harvest rainwater from campus rooftops
Buffer
Store the collected water before treatment. A sand bed may be added if needed.
Treat
Test two treatment systems to assess water quality and performance.
Store and use
Store treated water before its intended use in campus laboratories.
💡 Flow, pressure and water-quality sensors will help monitor the treatment process.
Test system 1
Microfiltration and activated carbon
Planned capacity: 1 m³/day
Test system 2
Ultrafiltration and UV treatment
Planned capacity: 1 m³/day
What the pilot will assess
Rainwater availability
How do roof type, rainfall and seasonal conditions affect water quantity and quality? What storage capacity is needed for a reliable
supply?
Treatment and safe storage
Can the treatment systems consistently achieve drinking water quality? How can this quality be
maintained while treated water is stored?
Practical uptake
What will it take to make rooftop rainwater treatment affordable, compatible with existing infrastructure and suitable for wider use?
A step towards a water-neutral campus
The pilot aims to reduce the use of conventional drinking water in campus laboratories and provide knowledge for wider urban applications.
It forms part of Saxion's broader ambition to reduce annual water consumption by 20% by 2030 and, in the longer term, become water-neutral.
NEW WATER can help you take the next step
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