Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces a comprehensive policy and strategic action framework aimed at maximizing water reuse, rainwater harvesting, and circular water management across its entire campus infrastructure. Formally rooted in advanced scientific research and institutional planning, METU's water reuse policy was explicitly reviewed and updated on 13 June 2025 as part of the strategic theme "Circular Economy, Water and Waste Management" during the METU Climate Action Plan Co-Design Workshop.

1. Policy Principles & Operational Water Reuse Infrastructure

Wastewater Treatment & Landscape Reuse: Wastewater generated from METU Technopolis (Teknokent) and the staff housing area (lodgments) is processed through advanced on-campus membrane refinement facilities. 100% of the treated effluent is reclaimed and reused for campus landscape irrigation, replacing municipal and freshwater demand.

Stormwater Management & Rainwater Harvesting (YESAP Framework): Formulated through the METU Platform for Advanced Research on Renewable Energy, Ecosystem and Sustainability (YESAP Project No: BAP-08-11KB2014K120600-2), METU deployed the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) to capture runoff. The policy mandate incorporates:

Deployment of green roofs and rain barrels for direct rainwater harvesting.

Construction of rain gardens and installation of permeable concrete across campus roadways and parking lots to recharge local aquifers and prevent runoff loss.

2. Institutional Review & Policy Governance

Climate Action Plan Co-Design Workshop Date: 13 June 2025

Strategic Context: Re-evaluated and integrated under METU’s broader Climate Action Plan Co-Design Workshop, establishing binding targets for expanding membrane effluent recycling, rainwater capture, and circular water loops across all future campus developments.

https://iklim.metu.edu.tr/en/announcements/metu-climate-action-plan-co-design-workshop-took-place