Conserve Water Using the Behaviour Activated Showerhead
Why Conserve Water?
Water is a crucial natural resource on our planet. Of all the water that exists on our planet, less than 2.5% is freshwater—water that can be used for daily human activities that does not contain a high concentration of salts—of which less than 1% is accessible to humans. With population and economic growth in recent years, the demand for freshwater resources has increased worldwide and in Hong Kong.
With no natural lakes, large rivers, or groundwater reservoirs in Hong Kong, our city makes a strong effort to ensure there are sufficient freshwater resources for our community. Currently, Hong Kong’s freshwater comes from two main sources—imported water from Dongjiang and local rainwater catchments.
We can all help conserve freshwater resources by taking quicker showers! Check out our tips on responsible water consumption below!
Read more: Water Supplies Department - Water Conservation: Why “Save Water”?
What is the Behaviour Activated Showerhead?
The behaviour activated showerhead incorporates an innovative LED lighting system that changes colours as a gentle reminder of the water usage during the shower. The water consumption data will be available on the Internet of Things (IoT) data platform for the university community to access. The infrastructure aims to raise the community awareness regarding the responsible consumption of water.
The light on your showerhead will change colours based on your water usage throughout your shower. Try to avoid the red light as much as possible!
Important Dates
Achievement So Far 🥳
-14.2% in fresh water consumption per resident across 21 residential buildings in 8 university campuses
Summer 2024 ☀️
1000 behaviour activated showerheads installed in 21 residential buildings across 8 university campuses
Summer 2023 ☀️
Close to 900 behaviour activated showerheads installed in 17 residential buildings across 8 university campuses
Spring 2023 🌼
Behaviour activated showerheads installed at HKUST, HKU, EdUHK, PolyU, HKBU and CityU
Summer 2022 ☀️
Behaviour activated showerheads installed at CUHK and LU
Where Can I Find the Behaviour Activated Showerhead in Residential Halls
| University | Residential Halls with Behaviour Activated Showerheads Installed | No. of Showerheads Installed |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) |
UG Hall 2 UG Hall 3 UG Hall 5 UG Hall 6 UG Hall 7 UG Hall 9 |
20 24 30 57 22 40 |
| The City University of Hong Kong (CityU) | Hall 1 | 90 |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) |
Chih Hsing Hall Chan Chun Ha Hostel Ying Lin Tang |
39 42 15 |
| The Education University of Hong Kong (EDUHK) |
Grantham Hall Robert Black Hall |
84 84 |
| The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) |
North Tower, Undergraduate Hall (3/F - 6/F only) South Tower, Undergraduate Hall (3/F - 6/F only) |
52 52 |
| The University of Hong Kong (HKU) |
Simon KY Lee Hall University Hall Marden Wing, St. John's College |
34 14 30 |
| Lingnan University (LU) |
Hall A Hall B Hall C Hall D |
41 41 42 42 |
| The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) | Homantin Hall (19/F - 23/F only) | 110 |
| Total | 1,005 | |
Amount of water consumption reduced for all universities in 2023
| Time |
Baseline water consumption |
Water Consumption after installation of behaviour showerhead |
| Six months |
93495.3m3 |
80209.5m3 |
| PERCENTAGE CHANGE | -14.2% | |
Tips on Responsible Water Consumption
In the bathroom...
- Take quicker showers - set a target to finish within the recommended 4 minutes by the Water Supplies Department!
- Use water saving devices such as a Behaviour Activated Showerhead, water efficient showerheads/taps, washing machines, and dual flush toilets
- Pay attention to water efficiency labels and choose water efficient devices
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your face, and shaving
- Install flow controllers in water taps
In the laundry...
- Only run your washing machine with a full load
- Skip the extra rinse to reduce water consumption
In the kitchen...
- Avoid washing dishes and vegetables under a running tap—wash them in a sink or container filled with water instead
- Reuse water used for washing vegetables and fruits for watering plants
- Avoid thawing food under running water—defrost it earlier inside the refrigerator instead
- Install flow controllers in water taps
Campaign Posters
