SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Our Contribution to SDG 6

The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA) contributes to sustainable water management through research, education, campus operations and cooperation with water-management stakeholders. Its activities address efficient water use, water quality, landscape retention, irrigation and adaptation to drought.

The university combines technical and environmental expertise with practical measures on its campuses and in agricultural research, supporting more responsible management of water resources.

Research and Innovation

SUA undertakes research into water quality, irrigation, water retention, sustainable landscape management and the environmental impacts of agriculture. The Institute of Landscape Engineering and related research teams apply field measurements, modelling and laboratory methods to water-related challenges.

International projects support innovative water-management solutions. The Horizon Europe project WATERGRID, launched in 2025, develops nature-based smart water grids that can retain and redistribute water to improve resilience to drought.

Research cooperation connects hydrology, agricultural technology and environmental management, offering solutions relevant to farmers, municipalities and wider communities.

Education and Student Engagement

Water conservation and sustainable use of water resources are addressed in teaching related to hydrology, landscape engineering, soil and water management and environmental sciences.

Students gain practical experience through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, research assignments and demonstrations at university facilities. Educational programmes also introduce water-related challenges to younger learners. The Little Hydrologists activity at the university's summer programme enabled children to explore how water behaves in the landscape.

The Environmental Centre provides further opportunities to develop understanding of water conservation and climate adaptation.

Public Engagement and Community Activities

SUA shares expertise with public institutions, water-sector organisations, schools and community partners. In April 2025, the university signed a memorandum of cooperation with Hydromeliorácie, a state enterprise involved in irrigation and drainage infrastructure.

Public engagement includes educational events, environmental workshops and research outreach addressing responsible water use, drought resilience and sustainable landscape planning. Such cooperation helps transfer scientific knowledge into practical water-management approaches beyond the campus.

Sustainable Campus Operations

SUA monitors water consumption across academic buildings, student accommodation and associated facilities. Total reported water consumption amounted to 58,760 m³ in 2025. University residences accounted for approximately 65% of this total.

Campus facilities use municipal water supplies, while selected operations also use wells and other non-potable water sources. Water-saving taps, sanitary facilities, permeable surfaces and green infrastructure support more efficient use of resources.

Wastewater from urban campus facilities is directed to the public sewerage system and municipal treatment infrastructure. Further opportunities to improve rainwater management are being assessed. The recorded university-wide volume of recycled or reused water was 0 m³ in 2025; local rainwater practices therefore require separate verification before they can be described as institution-wide water reuse.

Key Achievements

  • 58,760 m³ total university water consumption reported for 2025.
  • Approximately 65% of water consumption associated with student residences.
  • WATERGRID (2025–2029): participation in European research on nature-based water and drought management.
  • 2025 cooperation with Hydromeliorácie on water-management-related activities.

Evidence and Further Information

Research and Community Education

Water Management and Campus Operations