Impact of Water Management programs in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

     National Chiayi University (NCYU) integrates its comprehensive water management programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating a very high impact across multiple dimensions of sustainability. Through the Smart Water Resource Management and Innovative Water-Saving Technology Project, the university employs ICT-based systems—including 88 smart water meters and 3 pressure sensors—to monitor consumption, detect anomalies, and ensure efficient allocation. In 2024, total water consumption decreased by 28,536 tons (–5.8%) compared to 2023, while over 50% of total campus water was recycled or reused for toilet flushing, greenhouse irrigation, aquaculture, and landscape maintenance.  These initiatives directly support SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Moreover, NCYU’s integrated approach extends the impact to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through water quality monitoring and safe reuse; SDG 4 (Quality Education) via the “Discovery Chiayi” micro-credit course and Arduino-based drip-irrigation workshop; SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by combining renewable energy and green hydrogen with smart irrigation; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through ICT-based infrastructure; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through collaboration with Chiayi City Government on the Daojiang Green Corridor; SDG 14 (Life Below Water) via sustainable aquaculture practices; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through joint projects with the Ministry of Education and the Irrigation Agency.  Through the integration of smart monitoring, water recycling, renewable energy, ecological maintenance, and sustainability education, NCYU’s water management initiatives contribute to at least 14 SDGs, showcasing a very high impact on sustainable development at both campus and community levels.  The following table summarizes NCYU’s water management alignment with SDG targets: