Goal 6: Clean water & sanitation

Sustainable management of water is a major focus for Victoria University. We strive to improve water quality, develop effective wastewater treatment and increase water-use efficiency through research, teaching, and university infrastructure.

We undertake applied research in drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, stormwater and industrial water applications, providing solutions for industry and communities.

Our on-campus pool includes rainwater harvesting and backwash treatment, which saves approximately 2 million litres of water annually.

Billions of people still lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, despite improvement in the provision of these basic services. Water scarcity is a growing problem in many parts of the world, and conflicts and climate change are exacerbating the issue.
– United Nations

Programs addressing Goal 6

A man and woman smile at a Victoria University branded table, with branded banners in the background and two smiling, professional looking people
Greater Western Water collaboration
Greater Western Water and VU collaborate on a number of research projects in the areas of water treatment and sustainable water resource management.
University sustainability initiative
Our dedication to creating a sustainable campus includes rainwater harvesting and backwash treatment, which saves approximately 2 million litres of water annually.
Next Generation Water Management in the Werribee River Catchment
This partnership project brings together Traditional Owners, experts from the community, industry, and academia to align real-world needs and community values.
Wyndham Tech School
Regional secondary students in solving real-world problems of water network management and waste treatment using artificial intelligence.
A female researcher in lab-coat and gloves at a microscope in a lab.
Women in Science program
The Women in Science & Engineering program supports VU’s current university students, and inspires women to choose engineering and science careers.
Engineering courses
Our engineering courses offer opportunities to study water infrastructure, management and design systems.

VU stories

A young woman in a high-visibility jacket stands near water tanks and electronic equipment
From engineering to water: A career flow to depollution
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechanical Engineering, PhD (Mechanical Engineering)
"Looking back, without VU I never would have drawn a path to where I am now."
Looking back, without VU I never would have drawn a path to where I am now.
Rachael's story
Sian Willmott.
Building sustainable futures
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)
"Studying architectural engineering at VU gave me the skills to work with other consultants to design sustainable buildings; including thermal, energy and site water consumption modelling. "
Studying architectural engineering at VU gave me the skills to work with other consultants to design sustainable buildings; including thermal, energy and site water consumption modelling.
Read Sian's story
Jacinta Sapwell.
Jacinta's making a splash in sustainability
Bachelor of Science
"The Bachelor of Science at VU was super hands-on, which I loved. In my job now I get to help conserve this extraordinary place."
The Bachelor of Science at VU was super hands-on, which I loved. In my job now I get to help conserve this extraordinary place.
Read Jacinta's story