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 implements a systematic approach to water management for sustainability and efficiency, sourcing its water supply from the Provincial Waterworks Authority. For the Salaya campus area, the university has installed a water distribution system using a Ring Loop Pipe System that covers all operational units. This system helps to both distribute and enhance the stability of water pressure. Furthermore, it allows staff to control the water flow (on/off) specifically in areas requiring maintenance or repair, while still being able to supply water to other operational units as usual.

In addition, to maximize water management efficiency, the university has installed 90 digital water meters covering every operational unit on the Salaya campus. This system is the core of the System for Monitoring Water Consumption Volume per Operational Unit across the University, as it enables precise tracking and verification of water usage data via an online system. It can immediately issue an alert if abnormal water consumption is detected, which helps staff quickly address issues that may arise from leaks, thereby ensuring efficient water use.

For operational units located outside the Salaya area, the monitoring of water consumption is conducted by having those units report their water usage data monthly through the university's MU ECO DATA system, ensuring that the water management overview encompasses all areas of Mahidol University.

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/

Effluent Quality Monitoring

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	< 1,000 mg/L	✔
Sulfide	< 1.0 mg/L	✔
TKN	< 35 mg/L	✔
Fats, Oils & Greases (FOG)	< 20 mg/L	✔

Note: Details regarding other wastewater quality report parameters can be viewed at the Link: https://op.mahidol.ac.th/pe/2018/3155/

Promoting Water Reuse

Mahidol University has designated Water Reuse as a crucial strategy for maximizing efficiency in water management, particularly to reduce reliance on expensive piped water. This action goes beyond simply ensuring that wastewater is treated to meet standards; it transforms treated effluent into a valuable resource that is returned to the system. This is particularly for the maintenance of green spaces and external building uses, which is central to natural resource conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mahidol University mandates that Wastewater Treatment and Reuse (Water Reuse) be one of the four main pillars of the Water Management Policy B.E. 2568 (2025) to drive the university towards sustainability (Mahidol University Sustainability Action) and achieve SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. This initiative focuses on transforming treated "effluent" into a valuable resource to reduce dependency on costly tap water.

The main policy dictates that Promoting Water Reuse and Natural Water Source Conservation are key strategies to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy consumption associated with tap water production. To align with this policy, the university has established three core measures for all operational units:

Maximizing Water Reuse: The university promotes and requires operational units to study the feasibility of and utilize treated effluent that meets standards for maximum benefit. This is intended to substitute tap water for external uses such as watering plants, cleaning external areas, and refilling canals and ponds.
Using Alternative Water Sources for Green Space Maintenance: Operational units are required to use water from the university's internal canals and ponds and/or treated water that meets standards as the primary water source for maintaining green spaces.
Preventing Water Pollution: A policy is established to reduce or avoid the use of chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides to prevent harmful substances from flowing into the university's internal canals and ponds, ensuring strict control and prevention of water pollution.

Water Recycle System

Promoting Efficient Water Resource Use and Management

As an Eco-University committed to Sustainable Development, Mahidol University recognizes the importance of comprehensive and responsible water resource management. To align with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, the university has established proactive policies and measures designed to motivate staff and students to build awareness and participate in reducing tap water consumption, controlling wastewater standards, and promoting the maximum beneficial use of reclaimed water. This approach serves to minimize environmental impact and build water security for the Mahidol community in a sustainable manner.

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.

Free Drinking Water Dispenser Service

Mahidol University Salaya has installed 23 automatic drinking water dispensers in common areas to promote awareness among staff, students, and the general public regarding the value of maximizing resource utilization. The service encourages a behavioral change by reducing the use of single-use plastic containers, supporting the use of personal cups or water bottles to dispense drinking water from the automatic system. This significantly reduces the volume of plastic bottle waste generated from purchasing bottled water.

In terms of water quality, the dispensers utilize a UF+UV (Ultrafiltration + Ultraviolet) system, which is capable of completely filtering out bacteria and microorganisms while preserving essential minerals. The water filters are certified for drinking water quality standards by the NSF (National Sanitary Foundation), ensuring that students and staff receive high-quality and hygienic drinking water. Furthermore, the automated system minimizes user contact, which helps reduce the risk of contagious disease transmission.

The 23 dispenser units are strategically located across key areas, including academic buildings, administrative offices, the library, food courts, student dormitories, exercise areas, and central activity spaces. This ensures that everyone has widespread access to clean, quality drinking water, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.