​By 2020, Stellenbosch University strives to reduce its consumption of potable water by 10% and to utilise 30% less river water for the irrigation of gardens and sports fields (measured against 2012 figures). 

“We are already working on various initiatives to achieve these goals. The Western Cape is burdened by major droughts, and the university is doing everything in its power to save water on all our campuses,” said John de Wet, Manager: Environmental Sustainability at Facilities Management.Some of the initiatives already in place:• Gardens are irrigated with non-potable water from rivers, boreholes and dams according to a limited quota.• Irrigation mostly takes place at night when the evaporation levels are low.• Water-saving showerheads and toilets have been installed at the campuses.• Water-permeable paving is used so that rainwater can penetrate the soil and refill the underground aquifers.• Indigenous, endemic and water-friendly plants are used for landscaping.• Water quality is monitored for pollution.• Grey water is reused.• Rainwater is collected and reused.However, every one of us can contribute to saving water. Here are some things you can do at work:• Report taps, sprinklers and other devices that leak to (021) 808-4666.• Drink tap water. Three to five litres of tap water are used to produce one litre of bottled water. Bottled water is thus a waste of water, it generates plastic waste material and has a higher carbon footprint.• Watch out for the specially branded water stations on campuses. At the Stellenbosch campus: Under the overpass between Administration Building A and B; in front of the Schumann Building; in front of the AI Perold Building; next to the Polymer Building; in front of Matie Community Service; and at the Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) building. At the Tygerberg campus: In front of the new Education building. Bring your own water bottle and fill it at the water stations. And use the same bottle over and over.• Turn off the tap while you rub soap on your hands to wash them.