Sustainability in Science: 8 Smart Ways to Reduce Water Waste in Your Lab

In our efforts to make scientific research more sustainable, one key resource often overlooked is water. Laboratories are significant water users - from equipment cooling to glassware cleaning - but with a few targeted changes, we can make a measurable impact on water conservation without compromising productivity or safety.

Here are practical ways your lab can save water:

1. Choose Water-Efficient Purification Systems

Modern water purification systems can drastically reduce water waste. Look for units with recycling capabilities or those that go into standby mode when not in use. These features ensure that purified water is produced only when needed, saving both water and energy.

Reverse osmosis water purification system diagram showing feed water flow, RO module, conductivity sensors, and auto-flushing process.

2. Use Water Circulators Instead of Tap Water for Cooling

Processes like distillation, rotary evaporation, and condenser cooling traditionally rely on running tap water. Switch to closed-loop water circulators or chillers which recirculate the same water, eliminating continuous flow and waste.

Rotary evaporator system in use with a condenser flask and digital chiller, commonly used for solvent removal in laboratory settings.

3. Glassware Washers Over Manual Cleaning

Stainless steel Smeg professional lab glassware washer with digital control panel, designed for efficient laboratory cleaning and sterilization.

Implementing sustainable practices in a fast-paced lab environment presented unique challenges. Synexa faced constraints around prioritising sustainability amidst tight deadlines and demanding operational requirements. However, they successfully overcame these by intentionally allocating dedicated sessions for sustainability activities, securing leadership buy-in, and embedding green practices into routine procedures.

4. Fix Leaks Promptly

A small drip can waste thousands of litres annually. Ensure that taps, pipes, and washers are regularly inspected, and encourage all lab users to report leaks immediately. Preventative maintenance is key.

Close-up of a single drop of liquid forming at the end of a metallic nozzle, highlighting precision fluid dispensing or purity in liquid applications.

5. Replace Water Aspirators with Vacuum Pumps

Laboratory vacuum filtration setup with a conical flask, vacuum pump, and a gloved hand pouring red liquid into a filter funnel.

Water aspirators are outdated and incredibly wasteful, using up to 40 litres per minute. Modern vacuum pumps are closed-loop systems that don’t rely on water flow and provide consistent suction power - a sustainable and effective upgrade.

6. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Install low-flow aerators on lab faucets and automatic shut-off valves on eye wash stations and showers where appropriate. These small changes greatly reduce water use during routine tasks and emergencies.

7. Smart Scheduling of Equipment

Plan usage of high-water-consuming equipment (like glassware washers or stills) to ensure they’re only run when fully loaded. This avoids partial loads and reduces unnecessary water use throughout the day.

8. Track Your Lab’s Water Usage

Install submeters where possible to monitor water consumption by department or room. Data-driven insights help identify high-usage areas and track the success of water-saving efforts over time. You could even turn this into an internal competition between lab spaces.

Together, Small Changes Make a Big Impact

By adopting water-smart practices, your lab contributes to long-term water conservation, reduces utility costs, and supports a more sustainable research environment. Let’s continue working towards greener science - one drop at a time.

Coming Soon

Lookout for our upcoming webinars in collaboration with our partners Avidity Science and Lauda GmbH, where we’ll explore sustainable water solutions for laboratories.