15 May 2024, Nakhon Si Thammarat — Walailak University has officially issued the WU Wastewater Guidelines and Standards to reinforce its commitment to protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health through sustainable wastewater management. The guideline, released on 15 May 2024, outlines clear wastewater treatment policies and detailed operational procedures designed to ensure the university’s water quality meets both institutional and national environmental standards.
The new guidelines, available in both e-book and PDF formats, emphasize three key principles: environmental and community protection, capacity building for maintenance staff, and the safe reuse of treated water. One of the highlights of the initiative is the demonstration of treated wastewater safety through its use in Nile tilapia farming, which confirms that the treated water is non-harmful and environmentally safe.
Under the guideline, the university has implemented a campus-wide wastewater treatment system that includes collection ponds, grease traps, pump stations, and aerated lagoons serving all university buildings. Buildings are required to conduct initial physical treatment using wide drainage grates and grease traps to capture solids and grease before wastewater enters the main disposal system.
Maintenance and building staff are tasked with conducting regular inspections, maintaining operational records, and reporting sanitation information to the Division of Landscape and Building. The Division of Landscape Architecture and Environment is responsible for overseeing wastewater treatment operations and hazardous waste management.
Quality control measures include routine monitoring of key indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and nitrate-nitrogen, ensuring that treated water meets national environmental standards. Specifically, the system adheres to the Notification of the National Environmental Board No. 8 (B.E. 2537, 1994) under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act (B.E. 2535, 1992).
In addition, the guideline mandates that all buildings conduct monthly disposal of collected grease and oils to maintain the efficiency of grease traps and prevent contamination. Equipment such as wastewater pumps, aerators, and submersible sewage pumps must also be inspected and repaired promptly when issues arise.
Furthermore, Walailak University continuously monitors the operation and water production system from the Chonlanu Son Reservoir in real time to detect irregularities and enhance system efficiency. This proactive approach promotes transparency, improves monitoring and data analysis, and helps reduce energy use, operation time, and maintenance costs.
The issuance of the WU Wastewater Guidelines and Standards marks another milestone in Walailak University’s effort to align its environmental management practices with national standards and global sustainability goals, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable campus environment.
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