Preventing Water Pollution at Walailak University in 2023

09Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University, located in southern Thailand and covering the largest campus area in the country, faces frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall. The university manages its water consumption by producing potable water for on-campus use, utilizing on-site reservoirs to store high-quality rainwater. Currently, the university is deeply committed to sustainable water management and actively processes to prevents polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university. Consequently, various proactive initiatives ensure that water resources remain clean and free from pollutants to conserve, appropriately use and protect the quality and quantity of water sources surrounding the university.

Figure : Water supply system schematic

1. Monkey Cheek Project: This project focuses on preventing water pollution and addresses flooding issues during the rainy season, water shortages for consumption, and increased demand for water on campus. By constructing reservoirs, the university reduces reliance on groundwater and supports agricultural activities. These reservoirs also serve as a source of raw water for the production of potable water. Since the reservoir in the Monkey Cheek Project serves as a raw water source for producing tap water, it is free from chemical contamination and pathogens due to monthly quality checks that prevent pollution.

Monkey Cheek Project: Reservoir 1
or Pruk Sachon Reservoir

Monkey Cheek Project: Reservoir 2
or Mon Tara Reservoir

Monkey Cheek Project: Reservoir 3
or Chala Nusorn Reservior

2. Flood Control Gate Construction: The university has implemented flood prevention measures, including the construction of embankments, water control structures in drainage canals, pumping stations, and both the dredging and expansion of existing canals. Additionally, three new floodgates were constructed in 2023 to mitigate the risk of flooding during the rainy season. These gates are inspected monthly to ensure they operate effectively.

Figures : Flood Control Gate Construction Project at Walailak University

3. The Pump Station for Drainage: The university has installed water pumps to control and manage floodwater. This is one of the processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system, ensuring that external water does not contaminate internal water sources. At the Eastern Canal pumping station, two engine-driven pumps with a capacity of 1.0 cubic meters per second have been installed, alongside additional electric and engine pumps in academic zones and around the reservoirs.

Figures : The installation of two engine-driven water pumps with a capacity of 1.0 cubic meter per second and the construction of a floodwater pumping station to direct water to the Monkey Cheek Project area on the southern side of the university.

Figures : The installation of one engine-driven water pump with a capacity of 1.0 cubic meter per second and two electric pumps with a capacity of 2.0 cubic meters per second at the floodwater pumping station on the northern side of the university.

4. Mobile Application (Bot CDT) for Monitoring and Reporting Water Situations: This application, one of the predominant facilities of WU for preventing polluted water from entering the water system, provides real-time water management data, including daily and hourly rainfall measurements. The system allows for rapid reporting of water conditions, helping to mitigate flood damage during heavy rainfall. Knowing the real-time water situation allows for efficient water management, preventing flooding and entering external water systems.

Figures : Mobile Application (Bot CDT) for Monitoring and Reporting Water Situations

5.Construction of Embankments and Flood Walls: To protect the university’s water production system, flood embankments and walls have been constructed around the campus. These structures help store water and prevent external polluted water from entering the university’s water production areas.

Figures : Construction of Embankments and Flood Walls Project Around Walailak University

Figures : Improvement of the Flood Protection Embankment on the Southern Side of Walailak University

Figures : Improvement of the Western Flood Protection Embankment at Walailak University

Figures : Construction Project for Flood Protection Embankments, Water Control Structures in Drainage Canals, and Pumping Stations to Create a Flood and Storm Surge Prevention System at Walailak University

6. Ditch Digging and Improvement: Ditches are dug and improved to control water flow and prevent external water from entering the university’s water production system during the rainy season.

Figures : Ditch Excavation Work Connecting from Reservoir 1 to Drain Water on the Northern Side of Walailak University

Figures : Dredging of Weeds and Sediment in Drainage Channels

7. Water Supply System Maintenance: The university produces 200 cubic meters of potable water per hour using water drawn from on-site reservoirs. Chlorine is added to disinfect the water before it enters the storage tanks. The university regularly maintains its water supply system, ensuring that filters are backwashed to restore their efficiency and prevent blockages. Parameters such as color, turbidity, and pH are monitored to maintain water quality. Other equipment, including backup generators, pumps, and pipelines, are regularly maintained to ensure the production of high-quality, pollutant-free water.

Figure : Production of Tap Water Using Raw Water from Reservoirs at Walailak University

A: HDPE pipes are used for water transportation in the plumbing system, featuring properties that prevent sediment formation.

B: HDPE pipes are connected to the internal plumbing system of the university.

C: HDPE pipes are connected to the internal plumbing system of the university.

Figure : Using HDPE water pipes to prevent pollution from entering the tap water system

A: Filtration tanks for producing tap water

B: Filter media used for tap water production

C: Backwash process at the filtration tank, which is conducted daily to ensure high-quality tap water

D: Inspection of brass water inlets, which are equipment used in tap water production

Figures : Water Supply System Maintenance Process at Walailak University

8. Water Quality Monitoring for Consumption: The university conducts regular water quality monitoring in accordance with the standards for Type 2 drinking water (non-packaged drinking water). Filters are replaced every six months, and drinking water dispensers are cleaned and maintained monthly to ensure public health. Free drinking water dispensers around the campus are regularly inspected for cleanliness. Water is tested for coliform bacteria and E. coli using the in-house method “CSE-WI-MA-03,” based on the standards from the Examination of Water and Wastewater, APHA, AWWA, WEF, 23^rd edition, 2017. Heavy metals such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, chromium, barium, and arsenic are also tested, along with fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, and sulfate levels. This action by the university confirms that the water provided within the campus is free from contamination, and the raw water sources used for water production are also uncontaminated because the existence of processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system.

9. Water Purification: In 2023, Walailak University continues to prioritize and operate its wastewater treatment processes through the university’s wastewater treatment plant, ensuring environmental sustainability and the well-being of the community by protecting the quality and quantity of water sources. The current system has the capacity to treat 950 cubic meters of wastewater per day from various buildings on campus. The process in place to treat wastewater is collected, processed, and reused within the university.

Figure : The Processes of Water Purification

10. Water Reuse : Walailak University is currently implementing a water reuse policy, where treated wastewater is reused within the university. A wastewater treatment system has been established under the waste management project, designed to handle up to 4,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day with a BOD level of 150 mg/L. After treatment, the BOD of the discharged water is reduced to 20 mg/L. The wastewater treatment system uses a biological treatment process. Once the treated water meets the required quality standards, it is reused in various agricultural and other activities. This process ensures that wastewater generated from university activities does not contaminate other internal or external water systems because the university has the processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system.

https://cas.wu.ac.th/sdgs/drinking-water-quality-test-report

https://dlb.wu.ac.th/s/

https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/20832

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Preventing Water Pollution at Walailak University in 2023

Sustainability and Stewardship

Preventing Water Pollution at Walailak University in 2023

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