This Rector’s Instruction explicitly includes a water reuse policy within the university. In Article Four, it mandates efforts to maximize water reuse by recycling water and using harvested rainwater to meet clean water needs. Additionally, UNS optimizes rainwater harvesting systems through the installation of rainwater storage tanks, biopores, and infiltration wells. 

In addition, The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has developed a centralized Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on the Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) campus as part of efforts to improve the campus environmental quality and support the Green Campus principles. The UNS WWTP serves several campus buildings and supporting facilities, aiming to reduce water pollution in the surrounding environment, particularly the Bengawan Solo River. The treatment plant has a capacity of 1,290 m³ per day, serving 135 building connections and 65 nearby households. Its capacity and service coverage are designed to treat wastewater from both the campus area and the surrounding community. Through this program, wastewater from campus activities—including laboratories, canteens, and other facilities—is processed to meet the required quality standards before being discharged into the environment. The water quality measurements from the WWTP indicate that all parameters meet the Class I and Class II water quality standards as outlined in Central Java Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2012. Currently, 38% of treated water from the WWTP is reused for the garden sprinkler system.

UNS also purifies lake water using the reverse osmosis method for use in hydroponic farming. This wastewater treatment process is crucial to assess the effectiveness of pollutant reduction, including the decrease in COD, BOD, and TSS levels. The use of reverse osmosis produces clear water with low levels of dissolved substances. By integrating both technologies, UNS can minimize dependence on increasingly limited groundwater sources.

These provisions demonstrate UNS’s commitment to implementing a formal policy framework that maximizes water reuse across the university while supporting sustainable water conservation.

The water conservation policy at UNS has led to the development of an integrated water management system that combines infrastructure, technology, and behavioral change among the academic community. This implementation has significantly reduced groundwater extraction, improved daily water use efficiency, and maintained environmental quality on campus.

By maximizing water reuse and promoting rainwater harvesting, UNS provides a practical solution for its internal water needs while setting an example for sustainable water practices in higher education institutions.

For long-term sustainability, UNS plans to integrate the water reuse and conservation policy into its education, research, and community service activities. Through this approach, the university ensures that the values of sustainability are not only practiced on campus but also disseminated to the wider community.

Through these initiatives, Universitas Sebelas Maret directly contributes to achieving SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, demonstrating innovation and leadership in maximizing water reuse across the university.

Policy Evidence Table