6.3.2
Prevention of Water System Pollution
The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to protecting and conserving water resources as a public good essential to life, health, and sustainable development.
This policy establishes preventive and operational measures to avoid pollution of surface, underground, and marine water systems arising from University activities, facilities, and partnerships.
Purpose
This policy aims to:
Prevent any form of contamination or degradation of natural water systems caused by the University’s operations or research activities.
Ensure compliance with national and European legislation on water quality and pollution control.
Promote sustainable water use practices and strengthen environmental responsibility among the University community.
Support SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through research, innovation, and good governance.
Legal and Institutional Framework
This policy aligns with:
Law 3199/2003 on water protection and management,
Presidential Decree 51/2007, transposing Directive 2000/60/EC (EU Water Framework Directive),
Joint Ministerial Decision 5673/400/1997 and Directive 91/271/EEC on wastewater treatment,
Law 1650/1986 on environmental protection, and
Law 4042/2012 on waste management and environmental responsibility.
It is implemented in coordination with the University’s Wastewater Treatment Policy.
Scope
This policy applies to:
All University campuses, laboratories, agricultural units, student residences, canteens, and workshops,
Academic, research, administrative, and construction activities, and
All staff, students, contractors, and partners operating within University facilities.
Key Provisions
- Pollution Prevention Measures
The University prohibits discharge of untreated or hazardous effluents into natural or artificial water systems.
All water systems (streams, groundwater, irrigation channels, and nearby marine zones) must be protected from chemical, biological, or thermal pollution.
Activities involving chemicals, fuels, or waste must have spill prevention and containment systems (e.g., bunded storage, secondary containment, filters).
- Safe Handling and Storage of Pollutants
Laboratories and workshops must follow approved environmental safety protocols for chemical use and disposal.
Hazardous materials must be stored in sealed, labeled, and leak-proof containers, located away from drains or water outlets.
The Technical Services Department shall maintain a registry of storage areas and conduct inspections twice yearly.
- Stormwater and Runoff Management
The University ensures that stormwater drainage systems prevent contamination by filtering debris, sediments, and pollutants before discharge.
Green infrastructure (e.g., permeable pavements, bio-swales, retention basins) is promoted for runoff control and water quality improvement.
Construction projects must include environmental management plans detailing runoff prevention and sediment control measures.
- Monitoring and Reporting
The Technical Services Department monitors:
water quality parameters (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, suspended solids), and
any potential pollution sources on University premises.
Annual testing results are included in the University’s Environmental Performance Report.
- Emergency Response and Remediation
The University maintains a Water Pollution Emergency Plan that outlines steps for containment, clean-up, and reporting of spills or leaks.
Immediate notification must be given to the Environmental Sustainability Office, Fire Safety Unit, and relevant local authorities.
The University will cooperate with environmental agencies to remediate any pollution incidents promptly and transparently.
- Education, Research, and Engagement
The University promotes training, awareness campaigns, and research projects focused on water pollution prevention and ecosystem protection.
Students and staff are encouraged to participate in community initiatives addressing clean water, marine conservation, and sustainable water use.
Partnerships with municipal authorities, NGOs, and industry will strengthen knowledge exchange and joint environmental actions.
Governance and Oversight
The Rector holds overall responsibility for implementation.
The Technical Services Department ensures compliance in operations and maintenance.
Annual performance indicators are reviewed by the Governing Council.
Review
This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner in response to environmental, regulatory, or infrastructural changes.
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its commitment to the protection of water ecosystems, the prevention of pollution, and the responsible management of natural resources.