Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) implements processes to prevent polluted water from entering campus water systems through wastewater treatment, hazardous waste segregation, laboratory safety practices, and water quality monitoring. These measures address potential contamination from campus activities and support the management of risks associated with laboratory accidents and incidents.
Establishing an Institutional Framework for Water Protection
UNNES’s water conservation governance is supported by Rector’s Regulation No. 109 of 2024 on Guidelines for Water Conservation Governance at Universitas Negeri Semarang. This regulation provides the institutional framework for managing and protecting campus water resources.
Through this framework, wastewater management and water resource protection form part of the university’s responsibility to maintain a healthy campus environment and safeguard surrounding ecosystems.
Treating Wastewater Before Discharge
UNNES operates wastewater treatment facilities at several campus locations, including the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), the Faculty of Engineering (FT), and the Entrepreneurship Building.
Treatment processes include filtration, sedimentation, and neutralization to reduce potential pollutants before discharge. At FMIPA, two wastewater treatment installations manage wastewater generated by faculty activities, including laboratory operations. Wastewater is directed to appropriate treatment according to its characteristics, helping prevent untreated effluent from entering the surrounding environment.
Managing Hazardous Waste and Laboratory Incident Risks
Pollution prevention also involves separating hazardous waste from ordinary wastewater. At FMIPA, hazardous laboratory waste is collected, segregated according to its characteristics, and placed in appropriate storage facilities. Waste requiring external management is transferred to authorized third-party operators.
These arrangements help prevent hazardous substances from entering ordinary wastewater streams. Laboratory safety training complements these measures by preparing personnel to handle chemicals, manage waste, use protective equipment, and respond to laboratory emergencies. Students also receive safety instruction before undertaking practical activities.
Together, waste segregation and safety procedures support the prevention of accidental releases and reduce the risk of contamination at its source.
Monitoring Water Quality to Identify Potential Contamination
Water quality monitoring provides an additional layer of protection by helping identify changes in campus water conditions. Assessments of water sources and receiving water bodies can provide evidence of potential contamination and inform further investigation.
UNNES also works with the Central Java Provincial Health Office Laboratory to support water quality evaluation. Combining laboratory analysis with wastewater treatment and source-level controls helps the university assess environmental conditions and determine appropriate follow-up measures.
Through these processes, UNNES integrates water pollution prevention into campus operations, supporting the protection of water resources and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
