Sustainable Water Extraction and Management Systems by Applicable Technologies: Walailak University’s Commitment to Water Conservation and Resilience
1. Pruk Sachon Reservoir covers an area of 259,290 square meters with a water storage capacity of 2,852,190 cubic meters. It was constructed in 1992 with the purpose of irrigation and water level control during flood events. In 1997, it was further utilized as a raw water source for tap water production by extracting with sustainable water extraction applicable technology to benefit consumption and domestic use within the university. To this day, the reservoir continues to serve as a source for tap water production.
Figure : Pruk Sachon Reservoir serves as the raw water source for producing tap water for consumption and utility purposes within the university by utilizing applicable technology.
Figures: The water production plant at Reservoir1 for consumtion on campus.
2. Mon Tara Reservoir covers an area of 185,125 square meters with a water storage capacity of 2,036,375 cubic meters. It was constructed in 1996 with the primary purpose of irrigation. The reservoir helps mitigate flooding during the rainy season and stores water for use during the dry season.
Figure : Mon Tara Reservoir was constructed for irrigation purposes, helping to alleviate flood problems during the rainy season and storing water for use during the dry season by utilizing applicable technology.
Figure : Chala Nusorn Reservoir was constructed for irrigation and to produce tap water for consumption in 2024 by utilizing applicable technology.
4. Other water conservation and storage areas, including ponds, canals, and various reservoirs, cover an area of 898,417 square meters with a total water storage capacity of 1,986,791 cubic meters.
The university is able to produce 4,800 cubic meters of tap water per day from rainwater extracted from the Pruk Sachon Reservoir, which is sufficient to meet the university’s water needs throughout the year. This eliminates the need to pump raw water from natural sources, such as canals or rivers off campus. The process of producing potable water for campus utilize sustainable water extraction advanced applicable technology on associated university grounds, including a raw water pumping system with 400 mm pipes, which is an appropriately sized system that does not negatively impact the ecosystem or environment within the reservoir. The pumped water is directed to a static mixer, where chemicals are added at the initial stage to remove impurities and colloids before the water is mixed in the static mixer. The water then passes through a sedimentation tank and other treatment processes to produce clean, standard-quality tap water, which is distributed to the university’s consumers.
Figure : Water supply system schematic
1.1. Each building on campus is equipped with a physical wastewater treatment system that ensures compliance with standard regulations before the wastewater is discharged. This includes screens that filter out non-dissolvable solid waste and grease traps that separate fats and oils from the wastewater. These systems help maintain the initial quality of the water before it proceeds to the next treatment processes.
1.2. Wastewater from all buildings is collected for treatment through the Wastewater Management System Development Project of Walailak University.
1.3. The collection system uses trash trap to remove solid waste from the water before it enters the treatment facility, preventing blockages and damage to pumps.
1.4. After solid waste removal, 500 liters of microbial inoculants are added to the collected wastewater at wastewater pumping station before it is pumped into the Aerated Lagoon (AL) for further treatment.
2.1. Wastewater is pumped through pipelines into the Aerated Lagoon, where aerobic bacteria decompose organic substances.
2.2. The wastewater is then transferred to Facultative Pond 1, where it is retained for at least four days. Aerobic microorganisms reduce the BOD by 60%.
2.3. Subsequently, the wastewater is moved to Facultative Pond 2, where it is retained for at least seven days. This biological treatment stage removes impurities, particularly organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, reducing BOD by approximately 50%.
3.1. After secondary treatment, some pathogens may still be present in the treated water. Therefore, before discharging the treated wastewater into natural water source or reusing it, the water is disinfected using ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate harmful microorganisms. The university maintains and replaces the UV lamps annually.
3.2. The treated water is stored in a constructed wetland (WETLAND) for further assessment and reuse. This wetland also serves as an ecological study area for the university.
3.3. The quality of treated water is assessed through scientific analysis and fish pond tests before being reused or released. The treated water meets the effluent standards set by Thailand’s Pollution Control Department.
Figure : Wastewater treatment process at the comprehensive water treatment plant of Walailak University
Figure : Mobile Application for the current water situation alert system technology
Figure : The university has upgraded the flood embankments and installed water gates to prevent flooding and maintain water levels in reservoirs, canals, and surrounding communities.
Figures : The university has implemented a water management system by installing water gates and constructing pumping stations by utilizing applicable technology to prevent flooding and maintain water levels in reservoirs, canals, and surrounding communities.
Figures : The university has implemented measures to improve the internal drainage system by constructing ditches and installing drainage pipes to prevent flooding and maintain water levels in reservoirs, canals, and surrounding communities.
