Smart Water Supply Solves Long-Standing Water Problems at Huanggang Normal University with Grundfos Solutions
Located in the easternmost part of Hubei Province, Huanggang is a picturesque city surrounded by rivers and seas. Known for its vibrant community and as one of China’s most liveable cities, Huanggang is also home to the prestigious Huanggang Normal University, the city’s first higher education institution. With over 8,000 faculty members and students across three campuses, the university is a bustling center of learning and research. However, like many expanding institutions, Huanggang Normal University faced significant challenges related to its water supply system.
The Challenge: Inadequate Water Supply and Pressure
As the university grew, so did the demand for water across its campuses. However, the existing water supply infrastructure could not keep up with this increasing demand. The North Campus, in particular, faced serious water pressure issues. During peak hours in the mornings and evenings, water pressure dropped to an insufficient 2kg, leaving students and staff members on the higher floors—especially those on the fourth floor and above—without water. This poor water supply was a recurring issue, particularly at the start of each new semester when water was frequently cut off in the student dormitories, teaching buildings, and office buildings located on the higher floors.
The aging pipe network, which had been in place for over 15 years, coupled with the university’s increasing water demand, made it clear that a modern solution was needed to provide a stable, reliable, and high-quality water supply for all students, faculty, and staff.
The Solution: Grundfos Smart Pumping Station
To address these pressing issues, Huanggang Normal University embarked on a major pipe network upgrade project in 2019, aimed at improving water pressure, quality, and overall supply efficiency. In collaboration with Grundfos, the university implemented a prefabricated smart pumping station solution. This modern system was designed to meet the unique needs of the campus, ensuring a continuous water supply that would keep up with the growing demand.
Grundfos’ integrated smart pumping station provided several advantages over the traditional underground or mobile pumping stations the university had been using previously. One of the key benefits was the compact design of the prefabricated unit, which saved valuable campus space while ensuring easy installation. All the necessary equipment was pre-fabricated in the Grundfos factory, significantly reducing the time needed for on-site assembly. Water supply to the campus was reactivated within just one day, minimizing any disruptions to the students and faculty.
Benefits: Convenience, Efficiency, and Energy Savings
One of the standout features of the Grundfos smart pumping station is its ease of use and management. Unlike the traditional water supply stations that required regular quality inspections, the Grundfos system is designed for intelligent, remote monitoring and management. This means that the university’s operations team can manage the system remotely, ensuring efficient use of resources without the need for constant on-site supervision.
“The system is not only more hygienic but also easier to manage,” said Jin Zhigang, Head of Infrastructure Construction and Logistics Support at Huanggang Normal University. “With the Grundfos solution, we can manage everything remotely, which improves our team’s effectiveness while ensuring the safety and stability of our water supply.”
Another major benefit was the quiet operation of the pumping station. Installed just 100 meters from the student dormitories, the system operates with minimal noise, ensuring that the station's presence doesn't disturb the students' rest. Jin Zhigang praised the system, stating that it integrates seamlessly into the campus environment, both aesthetically and functionally.
Positive Impact: Stable Water Supply, Improved Quality of Life
Since the installation of the Grundfos smart pumping station in October 2019, the university has seen a dramatic improvement in water supply quality. The new system now supports the water needs of 14 student dormitories, three teaching buildings, one office building, the library, and the canteen—serving the daily needs of thousands of students, faculty, and staff. The water pressure has been stabilized, particularly in the higher buildings, ensuring that students and staff now have consistent access to clean water.
The students are reaping the benefits of this upgrade. One student shared, “My dormitory is on the sixth floor. The water pressure used to be very unstable, and we often faced water shortages. Now, the water pressure is stable, the water volume is much larger, and the quality is better. We no longer have to run downstairs to get water.”
Additionally, the energy savings brought by the Grundfos system are significant. The project utilizes a pressure-superposed water supply mode, which reduces the energy consumption of the pumping station by more than 45% compared to traditional methods. This not only benefits the environment but also reduces the university’s operational costs.
Conclusion: A Model for Modernization
The installation of the Grundfos prefabricated smart pumping station has transformed water supply on the North Campus of Huanggang Normal University, solving long-standing water pressure and quality issues. The system’s efficiency, combined with energy savings and easy management, has made it a model of modern water infrastructure in Hubei Province.
With the support of Grundfos, the university has created a smart, sustainable water supply system that ensures a reliable and high-quality water experience for its students, faculty, and staff. As a result, the university can continue to focus on its mission of providing excellent education, while students and staff can enjoy a better quality of life, free from the challenges of unreliable water access.
Huanggang Normal University’s success story highlights the importance of innovative solutions and sustainable infrastructure in solving the water supply challenges faced by large institutions. It serves as an excellent example of how modern technologies can improve daily life for communities and institutions around the world.
Grundfos is proud to be part of the transformation at Huanggang Normal University, and we remain committed to delivering smart water solutions that help solve the world’s most pressing water challenges.
