Water Usage
Water is a vital resource in research labs, yet it is often used inefficiently. At Trinity College Dublin, monthly water consumption is equivalent to that of 50,000 Irish households. By implementing simple changes, labs can significantly reduce water use without compromising research quality.
1. Smart Tap Usage
✅ Turn off taps when not in use.
✅ Install low-flow aerators to cut water use by up to 50%.
✅ Use cold water instead of hot when possible to save energy.
✅ Report leaks immediately to facilities management—small leaks can waste large amounts of water.
2. Using the Right Water Purity Grade
💧 High-grade water (RO, distilled, deionized) is resource-intensive. Use the lowest purity level required for the task:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Wastes ~50% of input water. Consider reusing RO reject water for non-sensitive tasks.
- Distilled Water: Energy-intensive due to heating and cooling needs.
- Deionized Water: Produces chemical waste during resin regeneration.
3. Efficient Lab Ware Washing
🧪 Use dishwashers instead of hand washing when possible.
🧪 Fill sinks instead of running taps continuously.
🧪 Reduce rinse cycles and reuse glassware when appropriate.
4. Optimizing Autoclave Usage
🔥 Run autoclaves only when full and share loads between labs.
🔥 Upgrade to water-efficient models to reduce waste.
🔥 Perform regular maintenance to prevent inefficiencies.
5. Upgrading to Water-Efficient Equipment
🔄 Swap water baths for bead baths or heat blocks.
🔄 Replace single-pass cooling with recirculating or air-cooled systems.
🔄 Ask equipment suppliers for water-efficient models when purchasing new lab equipment.
By making these small changes, labs can reduce water waste, lower costs, and contribute to sustainable research practices.
Useful links:
Top 9 Actions to Take in the Lab to Improve Water Efficiency