Centralized Wastewater Treatment Plant at UNS Demonstrates Commitment to Upholding Water Quality Standards

As part of its commitment to maintaining water quality and supporting the implementation of the Green Campus concept, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) has built a centralized wastewater treatment plant (IPAL) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). This facility plays a crucial role in managing liquid waste from various campus activities and surrounding areas, thereby upholding water quality standards and reducing the risk of water pollution, particularly in the Bengawan Solo River.

The IPAL system has a treatment capacity of 1,290 cubic meters per day, serving 135 campus buildings and 65 nearby households. It is designed to process wastewater generated from academic, laboratory, canteen, and residential activities. All treated water must meet established water quality guidelines before being discharged into the environment. Quality test results confirm that all parameters comply with Class I and II water quality standards as stipulated in Central Java Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2012.

Approximately 38 percent of the treated water is reused for landscape irrigation through the campus sprinkler system, thereby reducing the need for freshwater. Additionally, UNS has introduced reverse osmosis purification technology to enhance the quality of lake water for use in hydroponic farming. This technology effectively lowers COD, BOD, and TSS levels, ensuring clear and purified water suitable for reuse.

The establishment of this centralized wastewater treatment system reflects UNS’s strong adherence to water discharge guidelines and standards that aim to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. It also reinforces UNS’s leadership in sustainable water management and its long-term commitment to promoting a clean, healthy, and environmentally responsible campus for future generations.