6.3.2 Preventing water system pollution
Metric: Water usage and care
Processes to prevent polluted water entering the water system, including pollution caused by accidents and incidents at the university.
Prince of Songkla University has established engineering controls, wastewater-management infrastructure, and emergency-response measures to prevent polluted water from entering clean-water, stormwater, and natural water systems.
Separate Wastewater and Stormwater Systems
The University maintains separate systems for wastewater, clean water, and stormwater to prevent cross-contamination.
Wastewater generated from university buildings is conveyed through a closed sewer network to the wastewater treatment system, where it is treated to the required standard before discharge. Stormwater is managed through a separate drainage system and is directed through stormwater channels to designated retention areas and reservoirs.
This separation reduces the risk of untreated wastewater entering stormwater drains, reservoirs, or other water bodies.
Emergency Preparedness for Chemical Spills and Incidents
Prince of Songkla University also provides laboratory-safety training and emergency-response drills for staff and relevant personnel.
Training includes procedures for responding safely to chemical spills and other laboratory emergencies. These activities are designed to ensure that personnel are prepared to contain accidental releases, reduce the risk of pollutants entering drains or water systems, and respond appropriately to environmental incidents.
Emergency preparedness activities include:
laboratory emergency-response training;
chemical spill-response procedures;
use of appropriate personal protective equipment;
safe containment and clean-up of chemical spills; and
emergency drills for laboratory incidents.
These measures help minimise the risk that accidental chemical releases or other incidents could contaminate the University’s water or drainage systems.
Wastewater Collection and Containment Infrastructure
The University operates wastewater pumping facilities and central wastewater-treatment infrastructure to ensure that wastewater is collected and transferred safely for treatment rather than being discharged directly into the environment.
Wastewater pumping stations and closed sewer lines support the controlled transfer of wastewater from campus buildings to the central treatment system. The University also maintains physical treatment infrastructure designed to contain and manage wastewater before final discharge.
Together, the separation of wastewater and stormwater systems, closed sewer infrastructure, central wastewater treatment, and emergency-response training provide a preventive framework for reducing the risk of polluted water entering the University’s water systems.