15.4.1 Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards
Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards: Institutional Commitment to Water Quality Protection
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) is committed to maintaining water quality through institutional guidelines, wastewater treatment procedures, and regular water quality monitoring. The university implements discharge controls to ensure domestic wastewater is treated before release into the environment or reuse for non-potable purposes. These measures are supported by applicable water quality regulations, operational procedures for the centralized Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL), and periodic quality assessments.
Through this integrated approach, UNS seeks to uphold water quality standards and discharge guidelines to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare. These efforts also contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by reducing water pollution risks, protecting groundwater quality, and maintaining the ecological functions of the campus environment.
1. Institutional Water Quality Standards and Regulatory Framework
UNS applies water quality standards and guidelines as part of its institutional approach to wastewater management and pollution prevention. The university refers to Central Java Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2012 and Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001 as references for water quality management and pollution control. These regulatory references support the university’s efforts to maintain water quality and ensure that treated wastewater is managed in accordance with established environmental requirements.
The documented water quality assessments indicate that the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) parameters comply with Class I and Class II water quality standards. By applying these standards and regulatory references, UNS strengthens its commitment to maintaining water quality, preventing pollution, and protecting the surrounding environment. This approach also supports SDG 15 by helping safeguard groundwater quality and the ecological balance of the campus landscape.
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2. Wastewater Treatment and Water Discharge Guidelines
UNS implements operational guidelines for water discharges through its centralized communal Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL). The university’s IPAL Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covers domestic wastewater collection and equalization, primary and secondary sedimentation, anaerobic and aerobic biofiltration, final polishing through a wetland treatment stage, and sludge management. These procedures establish a controlled treatment process before discharging wastewater or directing it for suitable non-potable reuse.
To prevent water pollution, the facility collects domestic wastewater from campus bathrooms, toilets, washrooms, and canteens through an integrated network and treats it at the centralized facility. Laboratory and hazardous (B3) waste are separated from the domestic wastewater stream and managed through separate procedures. Treated wastewater is also reused for campus landscape irrigation, with approximately 38% of treated WWTP water directed to the garden sprinkler system. These measures help prevent untreated wastewater from entering the drainage system and reduce pollution risks to surrounding ecosystems, supporting SDG 15 through responsible water management and environmental protection.
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3. Regular Water Quality Monitoring, Compliance, and Periodic Review
UNS conducts water quality testing every three months to monitor and verify water quality across its campus water systems. The documented assessments include physical, chemical, and microbial parameters, covering groundwater and the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM), as well as quality assessments of the WWTP treatment process. The documented WWTP test results indicate compliance with the referenced Class I and Class II water quality standards. This monitoring process provides quality assurance evidence to support responsible wastewater management and controlled water discharges.
In addition to regular monitoring, UNS periodically reviews its water quality guidelines and discharge procedures, with reviews conducted at least once every three years. The IPAL SOP provides operational guidance for wastewater collection, treatment, final polishing, and sludge management. Through regular testing, operational controls, and periodic reviews, UNS strengthens its institutional capacity to maintain water quality standards and prevent water pollution. These practices contribute to SDG 15 by protecting groundwater quality, supporting ecological functions, and reducing potential impacts on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.
Reference: UNS Water Pollution Control
Conclusion
Universitas Sebelas Maret demonstrates its institutional commitment to water discharge guidelines and standards through regulatory references, established wastewater treatment procedures, source segregation, regular water quality monitoring, and periodic review of operational guidelines. These measures ensure domestic wastewater is treated before discharge or suitable reuse, while water quality is regularly assessed against the referenced standards.
By maintaining water quality and preventing pollution, UNS helps protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare. These institutional efforts also reinforce the university’s contribution to SDG 15 (Life on Land), particularly in protecting groundwater quality, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable environmental management.