SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

VSB - Techncial University of Ostrava is dedicated to fulfilling SDG 6 by ensuring access to clean, safe, and sustainable water, promoting responsible use, and effectively treating wastewater, all while supporting local well-being and aligning with global water quality and environmental standards. 

The drinking water on the VSB-TUO campus comes from the public water supply system, managed by Ostravské vodárny a kanalizace (OVAK), which ensures the proper treatment and distribution of water sourced from several locations. The primary sources include surface water from the Kružberk reservoir on the Moravice River and the Šance reservoir on the Ostravice River, providing 60–65% of the total drinking water supply to Ostrava, with the remaining 35–40% coming from groundwater sources in the Ostrava-Karviná region. The water undergoes thorough treatment and regular monitoring to meet the strict hygiene standards set by Decree No. 252/2004 Coll. and EU Directive 2020/2184, ensuring its safety for consumption.

6.2 Water consumption per person

6.2.1. Water consumption tracking

The total volume of water used at VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is measured. Water is drawn from 38 collection points, which are digitally monitored at regular intervals.

6.2.2. Volume of water used in the university

The total volume of water consumed at the University in 2024 is 99,251 m³.

To discover key statistics and insights about our campus sustainability efforts, visit the Campus in numbers page.

6.3 Water usage and care

6.3.1. Wastewater treatment

The established process for wastewater treatment at the University involves discharging all wastewater into the sewer system, where it is further treated through a three-stage purification process at the municipal wastewater treatment plant. This ensures that the treated water meets all standards for discharge into watercourses, specifically complying with EN 12255, the standard related to urban wastewater treatment plants. Additionally, the University canteen is equipped with grease traps to prevent fats from entering the drainage system, thus protecting the sewer network from blockages.

ČSN EN 12255-11

The standard ČSN EN 12255-11 specifies general design data for wastewater treatment plants.

https://shop.normy.biz/detail/518464

OVAK

Ostravské vodárny a kanalizace (OVAK) is a key utility company in the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic, responsible for water supply and wastewater management. OVAK provides clean drinking water to residents, manages sewage systems, and oversees wastewater treatment to protect local water resources and the environment. The company often collaborates with the city to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable water management.
https://www.ovak.cz/

6.3.2. Preventing water system pollution 

The University has processes in place to prevent polluted water from entering the water system, including measures for incidents or accidents. Wastewater is directed to a treatment plant through a centralised sewage system. Dining facilities are equipped with grease traps to capture fats and prevent them from entering the sewer. Chemical laboratories have special containers for the collection and safe disposal of chemicals, with strict adherence to disposal regulations and technical data sheets to ensure that hazardous substances are properly managed.

6.3.3. Free drinking water provided

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava campus provides seven strategically placed water dispensers, offering free access to chilled, filtered water, both still and sparkling, for students, staff, and visitors. Equipped with high-quality activated carbon filters that are regularly replaced, these dispensers ensure safe and great-tasting water while promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing single-use plastic waste.

Drinking water dispenser	Drinking water fountain
Map of water refill stations on the main VSB-TUO campus

6.3.4. Water-conscious building standards

New buildings constructed since 2022 are designed to use rainwater for toilet flushing and watering plants, helping to reduce the consumption of potable water. The same systems are installed during renovations of existing structures. In addition to rainwater systems, the University has implemented water-saving taps and flush systems across various campus buildings, further reducing water consumption. Some facilities are also equipped with waterless urinals, which contribute significantly to lowering overall water usage.

The University is also investing in the installation of underground rainwater retention tanks for these purposes, supporting a sustainable approach to water management. This approach aligns with the relevant European standard EN 16941-2, which is applicable in the Czech Republic and governs the use of rainwater systems. It is part of a broader strategy to reduce potable water use and increase the efficiency of natural resource utilisation on campus.

For further details, visit https://www.vsb.cz/udrzitelnost/en/Sustainable-campus/Rainwater/.

Waterless urinals
Underground rainwater retention tanks and water treatment technology in the CEETe building

6.3.5. Water-conscious planting

The vegetation cover on the University campus is planted with a focus on minimising water consumption, including the use of drought-resistant plants. All plants are carefully selected to fit the overall design of the campus while being local, supporting the regional ecosystem. Additionally, a project is underway to plant flower meadows that retain significant amounts of water in the soil and enhance biodiversity.

6.4 Water reuse

6.4.1 Water re-use policy

At VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, we are actively focusing on the collection and use of rainwater as part of smart resource management. The reuse of rainwater is a common practice, even though there is not an official regulation for this process.

We have installed systems in several places across the campus to capture rainwater, which is then used for flushing toilets and irrigating green spaces.

At CEET, it is also used for green hydrogen production. The water is collected in underground retention tanks; currently, there are four tanks with a total capacity of 234 m³, and more are planned. This approach is implemented based on the Rainwater Management Study on Campus, which provides a framework for the efficient use of this water.

This approach allows us to efficiently conserve drinking water while also reducing energy consumption. Through this system, we contribute to the overall sustainability of the University and bring our campus closer to the vision of a modern smart campus with environmental consideration.

For further details, visit https://www.vsb.cz/udrzitelnost/en/Sustainable-campus/Rainwater/.

6.4.2. Water re-use measurement

Currently, comprehensive water re-use measurement is not being conducted across the University. However, several systems for rainwater harvesting and sustainable stormwater management are already implemented within the campus.

Across the University campus, rainwater is collected and used primarily for toilet flushing, irrigation of greenery, and various operational purposes. Four active retention tanks are currently in operation: at the VSH building (93 m³), J building (20 m³), EKF building (96 m³), and CEETe building (25 m³), providing a total rainwater storage capacity of 234 m³. Additional tanks with a combined capacity of 70 m³ are planned for buildings D and E. These systems contribute to reducing potable water consumption and support the University’s goal of developing a smart and sustainable campus.

Rainwater management is further enhanced by extensive green and permeable surfaces that enable natural infiltration and water adsorption. The total infiltration (adsorption) area of the campus is 150,929 m², which significantly increases stormwater retention capacity and reduces surface runoff. Together, the combination of rainwater collection, re-use, and infiltration areas forms an integrated approach to sustainable water management across the University.

At present, the only facility where water re-use is actively monitored is the CEETe building, which also operates with greywater systems. At CEETe, rainwater is utilized for green hydrogen production, irrigation of the vertical garden, and toilet flushing. Data from this building serve as a pilot case for future expansion of water re-use monitoring across the campus.

6.5 Water in the community

6.5.1. Water management educational opportunities

The Department of Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO provides a range of specialised lectures specifically designed to supplement education on environmentally focused topics, several of which directly address good water management practices. These topics include:

Modrozelená infrastruktura a adaptační opatření na klimatické změny
Blue-Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Adaptation Measures

Voda – strategická surovina
Water – A Strategic Resource

Vodní dobrodružství – cesta od starověkých pramenů po moderní čistírny
Water Adventures – From Ancient Springs to Modern Treatment Plants

Farmaka ve vodách
Pharmaceuticals in Water

Mikropolutanty ve vodě – skrytá hrozba pro životní prostředí
Micropollutants in Water – A Hidden Environmental Threat

Pitná voda – odkud se bere a co v ní (ne)chceme mít
Drinking Water – Where It Comes From and What Should (or Should Not) Be In It

For more information, visit https://www.hgf.vsb.cz/546/cs/spoluprace/kurzy-a seminare/nabidka_odbornych_prednasek/ (link available in Czech). 

During the European Sustainable Development Week, VSB-TUO organises lectures such as TUER – Returning Water and Life to the Landscape, focusing on nature-based solutions that enhance water retention and strengthen climate resilience in both rural and urban environments.

The University also runs the Art & Science educational competition for secondary school students on the topic The Secret of Clean Water: How Do Filters Work?, raising environmental awareness among young people and promoting responsible water stewardship beyond the University community.

6.5.3 Off-campus water conservation support

The University actively supports water protection and sustainable water management beyond its campus. In addition to research and education in water resources, it conducts extensive outreach activities for the public and external stakeholders. 

The Department of Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, VSB-TUO conducts significant research and professional activities focused on cleaner production, water treatment, waste management, and pollution assessment. Their work includes technologies for water purification, the evaluation of pollutants in surface waters, and the use of biotechnological methods to remove inorganic contaminants. These initiatives support sustainable practices and contribute to water conservation efforts both within the University and in collaboration with external organisations, including Ostravské vodárny a kanalizace, Povodí Odry, and the Water Management Research Institute.

These partnerships promote sustainable practices through joint research, applied projects, and community education programmes.

For more details, visit: https://www.hgf.vsb.cz/en/research/, https://www.hgf.vsb.cz/546/cs/spoluprace/partneri/ and https://ceet.vsb.cz/iet/en/science-and-research/research-groups/water-treatment-and-analysis/. 

6.5.4. Sustainable water extraction on campus

At VSB - Technical University of Ostrava campus in Ostrava-Poruba, drinking water comes from the public water supply system, managed by Ostravské vodárny a kanalizace (OVAK). This water is sourced from several key locations. The main sources of drinking water are surface water from the Kružberk reservoir on the Moravice River and the Šance reservoir on the Ostravice River, which together provide 60–65% of Ostrava's drinking water supply. Additionally, groundwater sources from the Ostrava-Karviná region cover 35–40% of consumption.

The water undergoes thorough treatment and regular monitoring to meet strict hygiene standards and ensure it is safe for daily use. The quality of drinking water is maintained according to the strict hygiene regulations of Decree No. 252/2004 Coll. and EU Directive 2020/2184, which set limits for physical-chemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of the water.

Sustainable technologies and innovations of OVAK 

• Hydropuls – Regeneration of groundwater sources and wells: OVAK has implemented the Hydropuls technology, which uses impulsive expansion of compressed gas or liquid to clean and regenerate wells. The method is approved according to DVGW Document W 130.
• Smart Metering – Smart consumption measurement of water: OVAK is deploying a “smart metering” system for water meters, which allows remote readings, access to current and historical consumption data, earlier detection of leaks behind the meter, and better resource management. 

https://www.ovak.cz/spol_tech/ 

https://www.ovak.cz/Hydropuls/

https://www.ovak.cz/TK_SM/ 

6.5.5 Cooperation on water security

Cooperation with administrative authorities takes place at all levels – local, regional, national, and international. It involves participation in projects and initiatives focused on the protection and efficient management of water resources. Yes, we cooperate in both international projects and activities of local significance.

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is involved in the Resilient Water Innovation for Smart Economy (REWAISE) project, which connects leading European water stakeholders from industry and academia . The project addresses various challenges to improve access to alternative water resources. The Faculty of Mining and Geology at VSB-TUO contributes expertise in low-energy desalination, utilising mine water in the Moravian-Silesian Region, and extracting minerals from these waters, supporting the transition to a water-smart economy.

For more details about the project, visit https://rewaise.eu/. 

6.5.6. Promoting conscious water usage on campus

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava takes a proactive infrastructure‑led approach to conscious water usage:

• Four underground retention tanks (total capacity 234 m³) collect rainwater from rooftops, which is used for toilet flushing and green‑space irrigation, significantly reducing potable water demand.
• New and refurbished buildings incorporate water‑efficient fixtures and waterless urinals.
• Seven filtered drinking‑water dispensers provide still, chilled, and lightly sparkling water to students and staff - supporting both water savings and the reduction of single‑use plastic bottles.

Together, these infrastructure measures reflect a strong commitment to smart resource management and responsible campus sustainability and support a conscious‑water‑usage culture.