Diretrizes para elaboração de plano de uso racional da água em Instituições de Ensino Superior.

Abstract

The periodic droughts that occur over the semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast, as well as the great loss rates, due to leaks and water consumption, often resulting from indifference of users and managers, who treat water resources as unlimited, are factors that induce reduction of water supply, with effective demand management being one of the tools to seek awareness of water use and its conservation. In this context, Public Institutions of Higher Education should be precursors in the propagation of the idea of water use rationalization, due to the great consumption inherent to its activities and the power to spread knowledge and sustainable habits. Understanding the Plans as indispensable tool for the management process, this this work aimed to elaborate an action plan that promotes the rational use of water in the Campus I of the State University of Paraíba and that serves as reference for application in the other campuses of the institution and in other universities. This plan was elaborated using a simple tool, although little explored, as instrument to support water demand management: the method 5W2H. The method was based on diagnostic and prognostic steps of facilities and consumption, on the costing for implementation of the proposed actions through the elaboration of a budget worksheet and on the GUT-C Priority Matrix (adapted from the GUT Matrix). Finally, it was analyzed the feasibility of implementing some of the proposed actions through the consumption Reduction Index estimation and the payback period. The results indicate that, although the institution's general Consumption Indicator (28.44ℓ/( PEq.day)) is lower than the value used as a reference for the design of the hydraulic installations, it can be reduced (through replacement of conventional equipment by water saving equipments – toilets and taps - and the installation of water saving aerators and automatic closing valves in urinals) in approximately 40% of the consumption related to the devices where interventions were proposed, with a payback period of 26 months. In addition, the methods used to prepare the Action Plan have proved to be effective in guiding the planning and possible execution of solutions to the observed problems. They are adaptable to any area of knowledge in which decision making is necessary, however, they are tools that require a reanalysis and feedback, proper to the planning process.