Abstract Description

Climate change and broken water infrastructure increasingly threaten reliable access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation. These challenges are particularly evident in local communities and Rhodes University where consistent water supply is essential for overall-well-being and laboratory activities. This study presents a sequential investigation addressing water accessibility, quality, and sustainability in local communities and the university. It examines the quality of local water sources and evaluates patterns of water consumption in undergraduate Chemistry and Pharmacy practical sessions. Furthermore, the research explores the treatment and reuse of greywater and assesses its impacts on soil properties, hydroponic systems, and microbial communities through metabarcoding analysis. The findings reveal significant variations in the sensory quality, such as taste, of local drinking water sources and highlight the volume and characteristics of wastewater generated from laboratory activities. The treated greywater demonstrated beneficial effects on soil properties, nutrient content, and plant growth, suggesting potential for sustainable reuse. However, microbial profiling identified diverse strains within greywater influent and biofilms in the Pilot-scale treatment system, indicating possible health risks if treatment is inefficient. Overall, the study underscores the importance of sustainable water management strategies within higher education environments. The results contribute to understanding the relationship between water quality, laboratory water use, and environmental sustainability. Eventually, this work supports progress toward achieving key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).