14.4.1

Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish the University of Thessaly’s guidelines and standards for the responsible discharge of water from its facilities and operations, ensuring protection of aquatic ecosystems, public health, and compliance with environmental legislation. It promotes sustainable water management practices that prevent pollution, support recycling and treatment of wastewater, and reduce the University’s environmental footprint.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all University campuses, laboratories, and facilities generating liquid discharges; research collaborations involving effluent; infrastructure connected to municipal sewage systems; and water discharge from agricultural or field research units.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

This Policy aligns with: Law 3199/2003 (Water Protection and Management); Presidential Decree 51/2007 (Directive 2000/60/EC); Law 4014/2011 (Environmental Licensing); Law 4819/2021 (Circular Economy); EU Directive 91/271/EEC (Urban Waste Water Treatment); EU Directive 2008/105/EC (Environmental Quality Standards); and UN SDG 6.

4. Policy Statement

The University ensures all water discharges are treated, monitored, and compliant with standards.
2. Wastewater must be treated before discharge, and hazardous substances prevented from release.
3. Best available technologies (BAT) will be applied for water treatment and reuse.
4. Effluent quality will be monitored and reported regularly.
5. A registry of discharge points and monitoring data will be maintained.
6. Cooperation with local water authorities is required for compliance.
7. Training will be provided on safe water management practices.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The Rector oversees implementation.
– The Technical Services Department manages discharge system maintenance.
– The Sustainability Committee oversees auditing and reporting.
– The Public Relations Office coordinates with authorities.

– Τhe Departments of (a) Civil Engineering, (b) Mechanical Engineering, and (c) Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment Marine Sciences, Ichthyology, Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering provide scientific consultancy on actions to be implemented.

6. Monitoring and Review

The Policy will be reviewed every three (3) years. Indicators include treated wastewater percentage, number of audits, water reused, and non-compliance incidents.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 3199/2003; PD 51/2007; Law 4014/2011; Law 4819/2021; EU Directives 91/271/EEC and 2008/105/EC; UN SDG 6.