Abstract:
The efficient use of water can be a powerful tool to promote environmental
sustainability among undergraduates. With that, this study aims to identify the
awareness of sustainable water usage among undergraduates at the Mihintale
hostel premises at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. A structured
questionnaire was distributed to 75 undergraduate students of different faculties,
including all the hostels, with information about their knowledge, attitudes, and
behaviors related to water use in the hostel premises. Survey data provided
valuable insights regarding challenges like lack of proper water conservation
facilities, limited awareness, and low motivation, which might limit
undergraduates' sustainable water usage. Further, results revealed that 88% of the
undergraduates showed an understanding of the concept of sustainable water
usage, as measured by their ability to define the term and identify key practices
associated with it. Only 18.7% mentioned their knowledge as outstanding, while
52% expressed their understanding as average. 70.7% were aware of specific
practices for sustainable water use. That includes turning off the tap, taking short
showers, using a soapy sink to wash dishes, reporting leaks, choosing water
efficient foods, etc. 70 undergraduates know to turn off the water until they
needed. The biggest challenges identified were inadequate water conservation
facilities (51.6%) and inadequate information (50%). Despite these challenges,
61.3% of respondents supported the installation of water conservation devices and
64% encouraged regular repair of water infrastructure. Therefore, this study
shows a considerable gap between awareness and actual practice. It also
underlines the necessity for institutional assistance to promote water-saving
behaviors. In conclusion, specific interventions such as awareness campaigns,
seminars, and infrastructure improvements are needed to overcome this gap and
develop sustainable water use among undergraduates at Mihintale hostel
premises. Thus, these findings provide a basis to develop approaches to increase
water conservation practices in university contexts.
