Water Balance Testing and Water-Saving Potential Analysis at Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic

Abstract

This study examines the water-use efficiency and conservation potential of Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic (GRP) using an integrated methodology that combines water balance testing, functional-zone diagnostics, and behavioral surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024. Technical results show robust performance, with per capita consumption averaging 32.83 m 3 /person∙year—far below the provincial benchmark of 80 m 3 —and a distribution-network leakage rate of 3.5%. Functional-zone analysis identifies dormitories (44.9%) and laboratory/practical buildings (20.9%) as the dominant water-use areas, underscoring the need for zone-specific strategies. Behavioral findings reveal that although students and faculty exhibit high awareness and positive conservation attitudes, students demonstrate weaker behavioral execution and limited familiarity with institutional policies (62.8%), contributing to elevated residential consumption. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Triple-Loop Learning, the study concludes that while GRP has established a strong technical and governance foundation, further gains depend on digital monitoring, differentiated management, and targeted behavioral interventions. These findings provide actionable insights for developing data-driven and behavior-responsive water management systems in vocational institutions.