Water

Mahidol University promotes the policy of the university as an eco-university which focuses on maximize consumption in water resources and sustainable water management to develop staff and students’ quality of life in the university. Water and Mechanical Units, Utilities and Building System, and Division of Physical Systems and Environment have controlled water supply system, wastewater treatment system, surface water system, rain water drainage system, fountain system, fire suppression system, aeration turbine, mechanical aerator, and mechanical system including water supply and sanitation system design development, air-conditioning system, and air ventilation system. Water and Mechanical Units surveys and launches projects for the university’s water supply system management to continuously maximize water consumption and water loss reduction. This is to support the Sustainable Development Goals, Target 6: Clean Water and Sanitation which assures that people will be provided with clean water and sanitation, and sustainable management.

Water Management

Mahidol University, Salaya, utilizes water supplied by the Provincial Waterworks Authority, distributing it across campus through a Ring Loop Pipe System that reaches every department. This system stabilizes and distributes water pressure evenly, while allowing the control of water flow in specific areas. This enables maintenance and repairs in certain sections without disrupting water supply to other areas on campus.

In addition, the University has installed 90 digital water meters throughout the Salaya campus, providing comprehensive coverage across all departments. These meters enable precise monitoring of water usage through an online tracking system, which alerts staff to any abnormal water consumption. This system allows for prompt response to issues and enhances the efficiency of water management across the campus.

Digital Water Meter Installation Points within Mahidol University, Salaya Campus

Surface Water Management

Daily water consumption causes wastewater, which will be gathered for treatment and discharge to canals. The Utilities and Building System unit routinely checks monthly surface water measurements, including dissolved oxygen and pH. If an exceedingly high number is discovered, the staff will constantly work to improve the quality of surface water to meet standards.

Drainage System

Mahidol University has developed a project to clean rain water drainage system every 2 years by cleaning pipes, soil ditches, cement gutters, underground drains, and road sieve ponds to drain rain water and treated water by discharging them outside so that it will not flood the university.

There are 3 of rain water pumping stations which are Water Pump station 1 (North) and Faculty of Engineering and Water Pump station 2 (South). In 2021, the rainwater pumping system was developed into the Mahidol Monitoring System (MMS) to use technology and information to track water level measurement data within the canal to prevent flood and drought. This system allows for the tracking and verification of information that occurs continuously. In addition, the data from the measurements can be used to predict floods and droughts. The information obtained can be used in planning management and decision-making to solve problems. Nonetheless, to advance quality and safety while building on insights from the present and the future. As a result, Mahidol University started a project to purchase and install water level measuring equipment as well as run pump stations for rainwater drainage that can collect and send data remotely.

Wastewater Treatment System

Mahidol University, Salaya Campus established in 1980 which has a few staff and students; therefore, the university used oxidation ponds wastewater system. When the number of staff and students went over 30,000 and over 80 buildings had rapidly increased; for example, lecturer theaters, student dormitory, condominium, and food center, the oxidation ponds wastewater system could no longer support wastewater. Therefore, there are a high quantity of wastewater flooded to surface water resources. Activated sludge wastewater system had been constructed in 2012 which could support 3,000 cubic meter of wastewater per day. The system gathered wastewater from 17 divisions.

College of Sports Science and Technology
Institute of Nutrition
Mahidol Learning Center (MLC)
Institute of Molecular Biosciences
Faculty of Engineering
International College
Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center
Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies
Student Dormitory, Student Affairs
Division
Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia
Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies
ASEAN Institute for Health Development
Institute for Innovative Learning
MU-Bio Innovation Building

For other divisions are new buildings and have their own wastewater treatment system. Division of Physical Systems and Environment tracks quality of surface water every month. This is to maintain environment surrounding Mahidol University and to promote well-being of staff and students. The wastewater system of the university is based on laws according to Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Staff and students can check water quality on this website, https://op.mahidol.ac.th/pe/2018/3155/

The university has determined that the quality of treated wastewater will be monitored every month. The quality of treated water must be of the quality according to the announcement of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment regarding standards for controlling wastewater drainage from certain types and sizes of buildings (Type A) as follows:

Parameters	Standards	Measurement Results
pH	5-9	✔
BOD	< 20 mg/L	✔
Suspended Solid	< 30 mg/L	✔
Total Dissolve Solid	< 500 mg/L	✔
Sulfide	< 1.0 mg/L	✔
TKN	< 35 mg/L	✔
Fats, Oils & Greases (FOG)	< 20 mg/L	✔
Settleable Solids	< 0.5 mg/L	✔

BOD 2024
BOD 2023

Water Recycle System

The Guideline on Promotion of Efficiency in Water Consumption and Management

Mahidol University has launched the Eco-University policy for sustainable development which is encouraging Mahidol people to be conscious and participate in reducing tap water use and manage wastewater with standards. Therefore, there are measures to promote the reduction of water resource use, as follows:

Control the quality standards of wastewater from buildings of departments within the university.

Determine the value of pH, BOD, suspended solids, sulfide, total dissolved solids, settleable solids, fat oil and grease and TKN according to Mahidol University's announcement on water management, B.E. 2563

Analysis of wastewater quality every month, both before and after treatment, to ensure that it meets standards.

Avoid the use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides to prevent its leak into canals around the university.

Faculties/departments/offices are prohibited from release wastewater into the surface water around the university.

In the case that wastewater is discharged, water polluters will be fined and wastewater treatment fees will be collected in accordance with service rates.

Campaign and encourage students and staff to change your behavior to use water economically and efficiently.

Use water-efficient appliances

Encourage faculties, departments, and offices to use water-efficient appliances. Also, consider acquiring water-saving materials and equipment, as well as products with an environmental and water-saving policy

Currently, bathroom equipment has been changed, including faucets, sink faucets, sanitary ware, and urinals, to water-saving or highly efficient water-use equipment. which has been completed 71.8 percent from a total of 12,607 devices (9,052 from a total of 12,607 devices)

Encourage the reuse of treated water such as car washing, plant watering and so on.

Water leak detection and fix immediately

The university has a digital water supply system that allows it to monitor water usage at every location and even determine whether the water meter is functioning properly. The online system allows the relevant officials to review the work at any time. The system will notify users right away if there is an anomalous operation, such as a broken or leaky pipe. So, officials will enter the area right away to check or make repairs.

Define the water guideline to prepare for crises and droughts that will occur in the future.

Water Dispenser

The installation of automated drinking water dispensers in the common areas of Mahidol University, Salaya, is a project aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation of resource utilization among staff and students. It encourages behavioral changes by reducing the use of single-use plastic containers and promoting the habit of carrying personal cups or bottles. Additionally, this initiative fosters an environment that supports students and staff in using personal cups to refill water from the automated dispensers, thereby reducing plastic bottle waste from purchased drinking water and minimizing contact-based disease transmission risks. Furthermore, it ensures access to high-quality and hygienic drinking water for students and staff.

These water dispensers operate with a UF+UV filtration system, effectively removing bacteria and microorganisms while preserving essential minerals. The water filters are certified by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) for drinking water quality. A total of 23 dispensers have been installed across key locations, including academic buildings, office buildings, libraries, food centers, student dormitories, fitness areas, and common activity spaces. This initiative ensures that students, staff, and the general public have access to clean and safe drinking water, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.