Category 4 Water (WR)
Hatyai University has implemented a water conservation project utilizing the two natural ponds in front of Praneetsilp Arts and Culture Center, to store the freshwater from rain. On the banks of the natural ponds are natural ditches where vetiver grass is growing and preventing soil erosion. , Hatyai University has constructed a check dam in the natural ponds. Also, the University has used the rain in the ponds to water trees inside university as well as improve university landscape for better scenery to conduct the activities and events, for example, Loy Krathong Festival.
In this regard, Hatyai University has legally requested permission to use groundwater from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The Department will conduct annual inspections of the university’s groundwater usage and will issue a certificate of groundwater use to the university to confirm legal compliance.
Moreover, Hatyai University has been growing organic gardens for being a learning center of a sufficiency economy and increasing health awareness of consuming organic products for staff, students, and external organizations. Also, the large cement pipes were installed for rainwater harvesting. So, the rainwater has been using to grow organic vegetables. Later, it was modified by dredging the waterway for making a small overflow dam.
Hatyai University uses groundwater in every building. Before using the groundwater for consumption, it must be purified through a wastewater treatment process and a water filtration system in order to keep clean and pure and good quality of water.
Hatyai University has recognized the potential water pollution problems that may arise from activities within the university. Therefore, a training session has been conducted to educate personnel involved in operations that may cause pollution. For example, staff responsible for washing dishes and cooking utensils are specifically trained that the wastewater from washing should be pre-treated with a grease trap before being discharged into public canals. This action is part of the university’s environmental conservation and wastewater management measures.