6.5.1 Community Groundwater Treatment Monitoring Project

Empowering Communities through Sustainable Water Management

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) is actively contributing to sustainable water management through a community-based groundwater treatment project in Lubuk Machang Village.

This initiative aims to address the ongoing water shortage faced by the local community while promoting awareness and education on effective water resource management.

Project Objectives

The project focuses on:

  • Monitoring groundwater treatment as an alternative and sustainable water source.
  • Educating local residents on water conservation, treatment, and sustainable usage.
  • Enhancing community resilience to water scarcity through capacity building and technical support.

Monitoring Process

The groundwater treatment monitoring involves several key processes to ensure water quality and operational efficiency:

  • Backwashing – to clean the filtration media and maintain treatment performance.
  • Influent Quality Analysis – assessing raw groundwater before treatment.
  • Buffering Process – stabilizing water pH and ensuring treatment consistency.
  • Treated Water Storage – safely storing filtered water for community use.
  • Effluent Quality Analysis – evaluating final water quality to meet safety standards.

These activities are carried out systematically to guarantee that the treated groundwater is safe and sustainable for local use.

Project Duration: 1 January 2023 – 31 December 2027

This five-year initiative ensures long-term data collection, community engagement, and improvement in groundwater treatment efficiency.

Sustainable Impact

The Lubuk Machang Groundwater Treatment Project exemplifies UniMAP’s commitment to SDG Target 6.5, which emphasizes integrated water resources management (IWRM) at all levels, including local community participation.

By combining research, education, and community service, UniMAP continues to foster sustainable water solutions that benefit society and the environment.
(More info: Ground Water Treatment)

6.5.1 Promoting Conscious Water Usage in the Community

Raising Awareness through Education and Events

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively promotes conscious water usage and sustainable water management among the community.

As part of this effort, UniMAP organised the International Conference on Civil and Environmental Engineering (CENVIRON 2024), providing a platform to:

  • Share knowledge on sustainable water management practices.
  • Encourage the adoption of efficient and responsible water usage.
  • Engage local communities, researchers, and stakeholders in discussions on water conservation and environmental sustainability.

Impact of the Initiative

The event contributes to raising public awareness of the importance of water sustainability, fostering behavioral change, and promoting community participation in environmental stewardship.

Alignment with SDG 6.5

This initiative supports SDG Target 6.5, which emphasizes integrated water resources management at all levels and encourages community involvement in water conservation.
(More info: CENVIRON 2024)

6.5.3 Promoting Water Conservation Awareness through KPMPA 2024

UniMAP’s Role in Youth Water Leadership

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) actively contributes to cultivating water-conscious leadership among young learners.

In 2024, UniMAP staff participated as Module Instructors in the Kem Pemimpin Muda Prihatin Air (KPMPA 2024, Borneo Zone), held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Hidden Paradise Resort, Sabah.

Participation and Outreach

Total Participants: 62

Target Audience: Students from local higher education institutions and secondary schools

Activities: Training modules on water management, conservation, and STEM-based problem-solving

Supporting Education and Sustainability

This initiative aligns with the Malaysia Education Development Plan, aiming to:

  • Enhance STEM education among young learners
  • Promote awareness of water conservation beyond university campuses
  • Develop future leaders capable of making informed decisions on sustainable water management

By engaging students in hands-on learning experiences, UniMAP fosters a culture of water stewardship and environmental responsibility among the next generation.

Alignment with SDG 6.5

The KPMPA 2024 initiative supports SDG Target 6.5, which emphasizes integrated water resources management and community involvement at all levels, including youth education and capacity building.
(More info: KPMPA 2024)

6.5.3 Young Water Scientist Camp (YWSC 2024)

Engaging Youth in Water Conservation

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) successfully organised the Young Water Scientist Camp (YWSC 2024), a programme aimed at raising awareness of water conservation among school students.

The programme was sponsored by the National Commission of UNESCO Malaysia (SKUM) and brought together approximately 70 students from various states to participate in hands-on learning and experiential activities.

Programme Objectives

The YWSC 2024 initiative focused on:

  • Engaging students in real-world water management and conservation practices
  • Promoting off-campus water stewardship through education and community outreach
  • Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to environmental sustainability and water resources

Impact and Alignment with SDG 6.5

By providing youth with practical experiences and knowledge about water conservation, the initiative actively contributes to:

  • Integrated water resources management (IWRM) awareness at the community level
  • SDG Target 6.5, which encourages participation of all stakeholders, including youth, in water management initiatives

The Young Water Scientist Camp demonstrates UniMAP’s commitment to educating the next generation of water-conscious leaders and fostering sustainable practices beyond the campus.
(More info: YWSC 2024)

6.5.4 Sustainable Water Management for Landscape Irrigation

Using Rainwater and Retention Ponds

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) implements sustainable landscape maintenance by using rainwater and retention ponds as primary watering sources.

This approach effectively conserves treated water while making optimal use of natural resources, reflecting UniMAP’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable campus operations.

Efficient Watering Practices

  • Early Morning Watering: Conducted to minimize evaporation losses and enhance water absorption by plants.
  • Retention Pond and Pump System: Installed at the Syed Sirajuddin Areeb Putra Sports Complex, enabling systematic distribution of harvested rainwater for landscape irrigation.

Alignment with SDG 6.5.4

This initiative exemplifies SDG Target 6.5.4, which emphasizes integrated water resources management for sustainability. By harvesting and reusing rainwater, UniMAP reduces dependence on treated water while promoting green campus practices and efficient water resource use.

Sustainable Impact

Through the combination of rainwater harvesting, retention ponds, and optimized irrigation timing, UniMAP:

  • Reduces water consumption for non-potable purposes
  • Supports sustainable campus landscaping
  • Demonstrates practical application of water conservation strategies in higher education institutions

(More info: Sustainable water extraction on campus 2024)


6.5.5 Water Conservation Programs and Community Engagement
1. Kursus Amalan Kelestarian: Program Pemuliharaan Air (14 May 2024)

The College of Sustainable Sciences and Environmental Engineering (COSCEM) UniMAP collaborated with the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) to organize the Kursus Amalan Kelestarian: Program Pemuliharaan Air ke Arah Kelestarian Alam on 14 May 2024 at BK3 FKTE, UniMAP Pauh Putra Nature Campus.

Programme Objectives:

  • Provide exposure to water-efficient products and demonstrate their advantages over conventional alternatives.
  • Promote water conservation awareness among staff, community members, and local stakeholders.

Activities Included:

  • Talks and presentations on water-efficient solutions
  • Mini exhibition and product demonstrations for practical understanding

Participants: 97 individuals, including UniMAP staff, representatives from the Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) (including mosque trustees), and school teachers from Perlis.

2. Sustainability Webinar Series 3/2024 (25 March 2024)

In conjunction with World Water Day, UniMAP organized the Sustainability Webinar Series 3/2024 titled:

“Program Pemuliharaan Air ke Arah Kelestarian Alam Sekitar.”

 

The webinar provided a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies on:

  • Efficient water management
  • Conservation practices for sustainable environmental management
  • Raising awareness on SDG-aligned water sustainability initiatives

Impact and Alignment with SDG 6.5

These initiatives strengthen SDG Target 6.5, which emphasizes integrated water resources management and community participation. By engaging staff, local authorities, educators, and community representatives, UniMAP fosters a culture of water conservation and sustainability beyond the campus.
(More info: Kursus Amalan Kelestarian: Program Pemuliharaan Air, Sustainability Webinar Series 3/2024)

6.5.5 Knowledge Transfer: Algae Bloom Treatment and Removal

Collaborative Efforts to Address Algae Bloom

A UniMAP representative participated in the Knowledge Transfer: Brainstorming on Algae Bloom Treatment and Removal session, held at Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Organised by the Environmental, Lakes, and Wetland Division of Perbadanan Putrajaya, the session brought together experts from across Malaysia, including consultants, researchers, and academics, to discuss strategies for mitigating algae bloom in freshwater ecosystems.

Objectives and Impact

The session focused on:

  • Sharing knowledge on algae bloom treatment and removal
  • Developing effective management strategies for freshwater ecosystems
  • Strengthening inter-agency collaboration to enhance water security

This initiative highlights UniMAP’s commitment to integrated water resource management, knowledge exchange, and sustainable practices for maintaining healthy and resilient aquatic environments.

Alignment with SDG 6.5

The algae bloom knowledge transfer session aligns with SDG Target 6.5, emphasizing collaborative water management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to safeguard freshwater resources.
(More info: Knowledge Transfer: Brainstorming on algae bloom treatment and removal at Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya)