6.2 – Water Consumption Per Person

6.2.1 – Water Consumption Tracking

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively measures the total volume of water consumed across the university. This includes water sourced from mains supply, desalinated water, and water extracted from natural resources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers. UKM has implemented monitoring systems that track water usage across various facilities on campus, allowing for detailed assessments of consumption patterns. This data is crucial for managing water resources effectively, identifying areas for improvement in conservation efforts, and ensuring compliance with sustainability goals. Through these measures, UKM demonstrates its commitment to responsible water management and environmental stewardship.

Water Consumption at UKM

1. Water Tracking Measurement at UKM

Sources of Water	2023	Description
Treated Water	1,967,722 m3	UKM obtains a source of treated water for its students and staff from Air Selangor. The main source of treated water for UKM is supplied from the Water Treatment Plant at Sungai Semenyih, Selangor, which provides water to the university’s central water tank. This treated water is distributed throughout the campus to ensure safe and sustainable access to clean water.
Extract Water (Rainwater harvesting system + Tube wells + Retention pond)	9838.42 m3	UKM is committed to sustainable water management through the use of rainwater harvesting systems, tube wells, and retention ponds. These initiatives ensure a reliable water supply for campus needs while conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact.
Main water source	12491.85 m3	The main source of treated water for UKM is supplied from the Water Treatment Plant at Sungai Semenyih, Selangor, which provides water to the university’s central water tank.
Percentage of water extraction	78.8%	Water extraction that can be supplied to the main plant at UKM.

The water tracking measurement at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 2023 outlines its use of various water sources to ensure sustainability and reliable supply. UKM used 1,967,722 m³ of treated water from Air Selangor’s Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant, stored in a central water tank for campus-wide distribution. Additionally, UKM implemented sustainable water management practices through rainwater harvesting systems, tube wells, and retention ponds, collectively providing 9,838.42 m³, which reduces dependence on external sources. The main treated water source supplies 12,491.85 m³, with extract water accounting for 78.8% of the total usage. This approach highlights UKM’s commitment to both water conservation and environmental responsibility.

Percentage of treated water to total water usage in UKM:

(Extracted Water (Rainwater Harvesting System + Tube wells + Retention Pond)/ Main Water Source) x 100%

(9838.42 m³ / 12491.85 m³) x 100%
=0.7876 m³x 100%
=78.8%

2. Water conservation systems at UKM 

Rainwater Harvesting and Tube Well

Retention Pond

At UKM, Ghazali Lake plays a crucial role in the university’s water consumption tracking and conservation efforts, functioning as a retention pond with a storage capacity of 2,551,822.8 gallons. Additionally, there is another lake at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment with a storage capacity of 8,016,934.9 gallons. UKM utilizes 25% of the retention pond for various purposes, including landscaping activities, which helps in monitoring and managing water usage effectively. This pond significantly supports the university’s sustainability initiatives by serving as a source of water for landscaping, thereby reducing the demand for potable water on campus. The retention pond is an integral part of the total water storage capacity at UKM, which also includes other systems such as rainwater harvesting and tube wells. Combined, these systems offer a total capacity of 2,689,401.13 gallons, substantially aiding UKM’s sustainable water management strategy by supplementing the primary water supply. With the main water source capacity being 3,300,000 gallons, including Loop 1 and Loop 2, the implementation of water conservation systems such as Ghazali Lake, greatly contributes to the university’s water sustainability goals, fulfilling 81.5% of the campus’s water needs through alternative sources. This reflects UKM commitment to reducing its reliance on external water resources and enhancing eco-friendly practices in water usage, all while effectively tracking and managing consumption. Table below shows the retention pond capacity.

3. Water Consumption of Treated Water at UKM

UKM is committed to ensuring a reliable and safe supply of treated water for its students, staff, and facilities through a strategic partnership with Air Selangor, the leading water supplier for Selangor, Putrajaya, and Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration empowers UKM to access high-quality treated water, as Air Selangor expertly manages the treatment of raw water to meet the university’s daily requirements. The effective water management system established between UKM and Air Selangor underscores the university’s dedication to responsible water consumption and sustainable resource utilization, reflecting a proactive stance towards environmental stewardship. By consistently relying on treated water, UKM not only safeguards the health and well-being of its campus community but also plays an integral role in advancing sustainable development goals. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the university’s broader sustainability efforts, reinforcing its position as a leader in promoting eco-friendly practices and fostering a culture of conservation that will benefit future generations. Through this commitment to sustainable water management, UKM demonstrates that responsible resource use is essential for achieving a more sustainable and resilient community.

Main Water Source for UKM 

The primary source of treated water for UKM is the Water Treatment Plant located at Sungai Semenyih, Selangor, a facility renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality drinking water. This plant plays a crucial role in supplying water to UKM central water tank, which serves as the backbone of the university’s water distribution system. As illustrated in the accompanying figure, the treated water is meticulously distributed across the campus, ensuring that every student, staff member, and facility has safe and sustainable access to clean water. This strategic supply chain not only reinforces UKM dedication to public health and safety but also supports the university’s broader sustainability initiatives. By ensuring a reliable flow of treated water, UKM can effectively cater to the needs of its vibrant community, fostering an environment where education and research can thrive without the hindrance of water scarcity. This commitment to maintaining a robust and efficient water management system is a testament to UKM leadership in environmental stewardship and its proactive approach to safeguarding essential resources for future generations.

Water Treatment Processes by Air Selangor Sdn Bhd.

The process of producing clean water by Air Selangor Sdn Bhd exemplifies a commitment to public health and environmental stewardship, beginning with the careful abstraction of raw water from natural sources. This water undergoes rigorous and comprehensive treatment processes designed to meet stringent safety and quality standards, ensuring that it is not only safe for consumption but also conducive to the well-being of the community. Once treated, this high-quality water is efficiently distributed to consumers, including households, businesses, and institutions like UKM. By providing UKM with reliable access to top-tier treated water, Air Selangor supports the university’s dedication to maintaining the highest health and safety standards for its students, staff, and facilities. This collaboration underlines UKM’s proactive approach to sustainable water management, as the availability of clean water is crucial for fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. Ultimately, the efforts of Air Selangor Sdn Bhd not only enhance the quality of life within the university but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting responsible water usage and conservation in the region, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in water supply management.

Main Water Reservoirs in UKM

UKM has strategically established two main water reservoir systems, Loop 1 and Loop 2, to guarantee a dependable water supply across the campus, reflecting its unwavering commitment to efficient water management and sustainability. Loop 1 comprises two substantial water tanks, each with a capacity of 1 million gallons, while Loop 2 features two additional tanks with capacities of 800,000 gallons and 500,000 gallons, respectively. These reservoirs are pivotal in managing the university’s water resources, ensuring a continuous supply for both daily operations and essential activities. By effectively harnessing these significant storage capacities, UKM not only meets the immediate water needs of its campus community but also reinforces its dedication to sustainability goals. The implementation of these systems demonstrates UKM’s proactive approach to addressing water scarcity issues and emphasizes the importance of reliable water management in supporting educational, research, and community initiatives. Through these efforts, UKM sets a powerful example of how educational institutions can lead in resource stewardship, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students and staff alike.

UKM adeptly utilizes a strategic blend of treated water and alternative water sources to effectively meet the diverse water demands of its campus community. In 2023, the total water usage at UKM reached an impressive 2,970,887 m³, highlighting the university’s commitment to comprehensive water management. This total encompasses not only high-quality treated water supplied by Air Selangor but also innovative alternative sources, including well-established rainwater harvesting systems and tube wells, which collectively bolster the university’s resilience in water supply. By integrating these sustainable practices, UKM not only reduces its reliance on conventional water sources but also enhances its environmental stewardship, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing water scarcity challenges. The strategic use of alternative water sources not only ensures a reliable supply for various campus needs but also underscores UKM is dedication to promoting responsible water consumption and conservation efforts. This multifaceted approach aligns with the university’s broader sustainability goals, positioning UKM as a leader in innovative resource management and setting a precedent for other institutions striving for environmental sustainability.

Breakdown of Water Sources:

1. Treated water from Air Selangor Sdn Bhd is essential for UKM, providing 2,960,707 m³ of the total water used on campus. This supply ensures safe drinking water for students, faculty, and staff, while also supporting sanitation and irrigation services. UKM reliance on high-quality treated water reflects its commitment to responsible water management and sustainability. This partnership sets a positive example for other institutions and encourages efficient water use, demonstrating UKM dedication to fostering a sustainable future through responsible water practices.
2. Alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting systems and tube wells, significantly support Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) by contributing 9,888.4 m³ to the total water supply. Rainwater harvesting allows the university to collect and store rainwater for landscaping and non-potable uses, while tube wells provide a reliable water source, especially during dry periods. By utilizing these alternative sources, UKM reduces its reliance on treated water, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable water management and encouraging responsible water usage within the campus community.