4.1 Water conservation  program and implementation

[4.1] Water Conservation Program Implementation (WR.1)

Introduction

Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) is committed to sustainable campus operations through effective water conservation practices. The institution implements several initiatives to optimize water use, minimize wastage, and enhance awareness among staff and students regarding sustainable water management.

Objectives

1.    To reduce potable water consumption across the campus.

2.    To promote the use of harvested rainwater for non-potable applications.

3.    To support national efforts towards sustainable resource management.

4.    To integrate water conservation practices into teaching, research, and community outreach.

Notes on the Data

1. Average Rainfall (mm/hr): Calculated from the total precipitation data (2,730.8 mm over 209 days) as a daily average (13.07 mm/day) divided by 24 hours.
   
   

2. Water Flow Rate (liters/hr): Represents the peak runoff flow rate from the estimated roof area (42.0 m²) during a heavy rainfall event, calculated using the Rational Method.
   
   

3. Number/Capacity of Reservoirs: Combined total for the system: (1 × 400 liters) + (2 × 400 liters) = 800 liters.
   
   

4. Capacity of Lakes: Estimated for the main PSA Lake based on the provided area of 2,141 m², assuming an average depth of 3 m.

Description

At Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA), rainwater is collected from the rooftops of academic blocks and workshops through a network of gutters and downpipes. The collected rainwater is stored in tanks — two units with capacities of 200 liters and 400 liters located at the Department of Civil Engineering (DCE), and one 200-liter unit at the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DME). The harvested water is utilized for landscaping, toilet flushing, and general cleaning activities across the campus.

The campus employs a separate drainage system to differentiate between wastewater and stormwater. Rainwater from roof surfaces and open areas such as parking lots is directed into recharging pits and small reservoirs to enhance groundwater replenishment and minimize surface runoff.

In addition, four Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SPAH) were developed by lecturers from the Civil Engineering Department, PSA, under the Social Research Grant (KPT Series 1/2024). These systems were successfully implemented at SK Taman Tun Dr. Ismail Jaya and SK Seksyen 20, Shah Alam, as part of PSA’s community engagement and applied research initiatives promoting sustainable water resource management.

Research and Community Engagement

As part of PSA’s applied research and community outreach, four Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SPAH) were developed by lecturers from the Civil Engineering Department under the Social Research Grant (KPT Series 1/2024). These systems were successfully implemented at SK Taman Tun Dr. Ismail Jaya and SK Seksyen 20, Shah Alam. The initiative promotes community awareness of sustainable water practices and serves as a living laboratory for students and researchers.

Awareness and Capacity Building:

1.       Campus-wide 'Save Water' campaigns and environmental awareness programs are conducted annually.

2.       Educational posters and signages are displayed near water taps and washrooms to encourage responsible use.

3.       Workshops and student projects on sustainable water management are integrated into academic and co-curricular activities.

Conclusion

PSA’s water conservation initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability by integrating infrastructure innovation, research, and community outreach. Through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge systems, and awareness programs, the institution effectively reduces its water footprint and contributes to both national and global sustainability goals.