SDG #6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water
0
Active Initiatives
359
Publications
2020–2025
0
Future Goals
Our Impact
100,000 + people with clean water access
Beneficiaries
30% reduction in water usage
Conservation
1 million liters rainwater collected
Harvesting
UTAR Initiatives
Save every drop - promote responsible water use across all UTAR campuses.
Harvest rainwater and air conditioning condensate water for landscape irrigation.
Monitor and protect lake water quality in Kampar.
Innovate water purification technologies through research and academic collaboration.
Promote hyfience awareness and sanitation education among students and local community.
Create water resilient landscape using lake water for irrigation.
Water Stewardship @ UTAR
Leading sustainable water management through innovation, conservation, and community engagement
10%
Water Usage Reduction
1M
Liters Rainwater Harvested
At Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), water stewardship is fundamental to our sustainability mission. We recognize water as a precious resource that requires careful management, innovative conservation strategies, and responsible usage practices across all our campus operations and community initiatives.
Our comprehensive water management approach encompasses advanced conservation technologies, rainwater harvesting systems, grey‑water collecting system connected to professional waster water treatment company - Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, and cutting‑edge research in water treatment and purification. Through these initiatives, we've achieved significant reductions in water consumption while maintaining high‑quality educational and research environments.
Beyond campus boundaries, UTAR extends its water expertise to serve local communities through research partnerships, water‑quality testing services, and educational programmes that promote water‑conservation awareness and sustainable water management practices throughout Malaysia.
Our Water Management Principles
Conservation & Efficiency
Implementing advanced water-saving technologies and promoting efficient usage practices across all campus operations and facilities
Quality & Safety
Ensuring the highest water-quality standards through rigorous testing, treatment, and monitoring systems for all water sources and applications
Community Impact
Extending our water expertise to benefit local communities through research, education, and collaborative water management initiatives
Water Management Achievements
10%
Water Usage Reduction
1M
Liters Rainwater Harvested
30
Water Research Projects
100%
Buildings with Water Recycling
Our Strategic Water Management Approach
Technology Integration
Advanced water-management systems, smart monitoring technologies, and automated conservation controls across all campus facilities
Continuous Monitoring
Real-time water usage tracking, quality assessment, and performance optimisation through data-driven analysis and reporting systems
Education & Research
Comprehensive water education programmes, cutting-edge research initiatives, and community outreach to promote water conservation awareness
Water Reuse Policy
Comprehensive framework for sustainable water management and conservation across all university operations
Policy Objectives
-
Water Conservation
Reduce freshwater consumption by 30% through efficient reuse systems -
Quality Assurance
Maintain highest water quality standards for all reuse applications. -
Cost Efficiency
Reduce operational costs through optimized water management
Water Sources for Reuse
- Rainwater
Collected from rooftops and paved surfaces. -
Condensate Water
From air conditioning and cooling systems.
Water Reuse Applications
Landscape Irrigation
Lake water and rainwater for watering campus gardens, lawns, and landscaping features throughout all UTAR facilities
Washing and Cleaning
Recycled water systems for daily cleaning in all facilities, significantly reducing potable water consumption
Cooling Systems
Treated water for HVAC cooling towers and chiller systems, maintaining optimal building temperatures and conserving freshwater resources
Treatment Standards & Quality Control
-
Physical Treatment
Filtration, sedimentation, and screening to remove physical contaminants and particles -
Chemical Treatment
Disinfection and chemical treatment to ensure water safety and quality -
Quality Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and testing to maintain compliance with safety standards
Implementation Guidelines
-
System Design & Installation
Professional design and installation of water reuse systems in all new constructions -
Regular Maintenance & Monitoring
Scheduled maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure optimal performance -
Performance Evaluation
Regular assessment and optimization of water reuse system efficiency
Policy Governance & Monitoring
Performance Metrics
- Water Consumption Reduction Tracking
- Cost Savings and Efficiency Analysis
Regulatory Compliance
-
Malaysian Water Quality Standards compliance
- Environmental Impact Assessment requirement
Water Management Initiative Highlights
Water Consumption Tracking
UTAR implements a water consumption tracking system measuring total usage from mains supply, rainwater harvesting, and natural sources, ensuring accurate data collection, transparency, and promoting sustainable campus-wide water management practices.
126,923 m3
Water Consumption
384 m3
Reuse Source
- Measure total water usage across all campuses every month
- Ensure accurate and consistent consumption data recording
- Provide transparent, publicly accessible water reports
- Promote sustainable water management and conservation efforts
Wastewater Treatment Systems
UTAR engages a professional wastewater treatment company, Bendahara Enterprise, to treat wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry facilities, preventing direct discharge into drainage or lakes and avoiding environmental pollution.
100%
Greywater Treated
100%
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintenance-friendly design and operation
- Environmentally friendly treatment processes
- Automated monitoring and quality control
- No pollution to the environment
Preventing Water System Pollution
UTAR is dedicated to preventing water system pollution by controlling toxic and hazardous waste. Through scheduled waste management, comprehensive policies, procedures, and rapid incident response measures ensure safe, sustainable water practices.
3
Types of Waste
2
Collection Points
- Properly manage scheduled waste to prevent contamination
- Comply with Department of Environment regulations
- Rapidly respond to accidents and pollution incidents
- Continuously monitor and prevent water system pollution
Free Drinking Water Dispenser Network
UTAR provides a comprehensive network of water dispensers across all campuses, offering free, filtered, and temperature-controlled drinking water, reducing plastic bottle usage, encouraging sustainable practices, and promoting healthy hydration habits for all.
97
Dispenser Stations
12,000
Litres Dispensed Monthly
- Multi-stage filtration and UV sterilisation
- Temperature control
- Water quality guaranteed
- Plastic bottle waste reduction initiative
Water-conscious Building Standards
UTAR follows Green Building Design Guidelines to ensure sustainable campus building development, operation, and maintenance, emphasizing energy efficiency, material use, indoor environmental quality, and water-conscious standards for water management.
100%
Water Efficiency
3
Buildings
- All toilets equipped with self-closing taps
- Sensor flush systems for toilets
- Low-flow bidets with aerated heads
- Centralized chilled water air conditioning system
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
UTAR implements comprehensive rainwater collection and storage systems across all campuses, capturing and treating rainwater for non-potable uses such as irrigation, cooling systems, and facility maintenance, promoting sustainable water management practices.
240 m3
Collected Annually
3
Collection Points
- Automated collection and filtration systems
- Smart monitoring and quality control
- Integration with campus irrigation systems
- Overflow management and storage optimisation
Water-resilient Landscaping
UTAR's water-resilient landscaping incorporates drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and sustainable design to conserve water, enhance biodiversity, maintain green spaces, and strengthen campus resilience against climate change impacts.
20
Species
2
Watering Per Month
- Drought-tolerant and native plant selection such as bamboo
- Efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems
- Sustainable soil and moisture management practices
- Landscape design optimizing water conservation and resilience
Water Management Education & Awareness
Comprehensive educational & STEM outreach programmes promoting water conservation awareness, sustainable water practices, and environmental stewardship among students, staff, and community members.
5,000+
Annual Participants
6
Seminars Annually
- Interactive water conservation workshops
- Campus water stewardship programmes
- Digital awareness campaigns and resources
- Student water ambassador programmes
Off-Campus Water Conservation Support
UTAR actively supports off-campus water conservation initiatives, empowering volunteers and local communities to engage in river cleanup & conservation, pollution reduction, and sustainable water management practices through education, training, and community outreach programs.
500
Annual Participants
4
Seminars Annually
- Use EM mudballs to clean polluted rivers
- Collect rubbish and debris from river sites
- Measure water quality and plant swamp trees
- Conduct workshops on eco-friendly soap and composting
Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus
UTAR reuses lake water for irrigation and plant watering, conserving potable water, supporting campus ecological balance, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable water management practices to foster an environmentally responsible and resilient campus ecosystem.
144 m3
Extracted Annually
100%
Lake Water Reused
- Conserves potable water for essential uses
- Reduces water bills and resource consumption
- Supports campus ecological balance and biodiversity
- Promotes sustainable water management practices
Cooperation on Water Security
UTAR supports water security through collaborative initiatives, engaging local government, communities, and NGO partners to promote sustainable practices, protect river catchments, and foster long-term environmental stewardship at Tadahan Sungai Kinta.
413.5 km
River Length
300
Participants
- Collaborate with Department of Irrigation & Drainage Perak
- Collaborate with NGOs – Global Environment Centre & Yayasan Hasanah
- River Health Index monitoring and treatment initiatives
- Educational visits, community outreach, & awareness campaigns
Promoting Conscious Water Usage on Campus
UTAR promotes conscious water usage on campus through awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and conservation initiatives, encouraging students and staff to adopt sustainable habits that reduce water waste and protect resources.
All
Participants
100%
Compliances
- Educate campus community on responsible water use
- Install water-efficient fixtures across all facilities
- Monitor consumption regularly to prevent wastage
- Encourage participation in water-saving initiatives
Promoting Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community
Promotes conscious water usage in the wider community through outreach programmes including Green Ambassadors, workshops, and collaborative projects to raise awareness on water conservation, sustainable practices, and responsible resource management.
5
Community Outreach
500
Participants
- Conduct workshops to promote community water conservation
- Launch campaigns encouraging responsible water usage
- Collaborate with local partners on sustainability projects
- Empower youth to advocate water-saving practices
Water Innovation & Technology Research
UTAR conducts cutting-edge research in water treatment technologies, membrane filtration, nanotechnology applications, and sustainable water management solutions, advancing innovative approaches to address global water challenges and ensure resource sustainability.
15
Active Research Projects
5
Patents Filed
- Advanced membrane filtration technology
- Nanotechnology for water purification
- Smart water monitoring sensors
- Sustainable desalination technologies
Sustainability Activities Highlights
Activities and achievements from UTAR's commitment to clean water and sanitation
Award-winning Malaysian inventors talk about turning ideas into sustainable solutions
26 February 2025
UTAR, through the MINDS UTAR-Chapter, hosted a talk on “Ideation & Teamwork” featuring inventors Mr Bao Kiew Wu and Ms Teng Yu-Mein, inspiring participants on innovation and problem-solving. Mr Bao shared his journey developing the Ocean Wave Power System, highlighting the role of observation, research, and design thinking in creating sustainable solutions. Ms Teng discussed the creation of the Efinity Water Filter, providing clean, affordable water to rural communities, demonstrating practical innovation that addresses real-world challenges and promotes environmental and social well-being.
Engineering students win silver and bronze medals at IBCEx'25
26 February 2025
At IBCEx’25, UTAR postgraduate students Irfan Hassan and Lim Jun Jie showcased innovative biotechnology projects, earning Silver and Bronze Awards for addressing water and environmental challenges. Irfan’s EcoPAC utilises oil palm biowaste to efficiently remove microplastics from drinking water, promoting community health and circular economy practices. Lim’s Eggsorb repurposes eggshells to recover phosphorus from aquaculture wastewater, improving soil quality and reducing water pollution. Both projects highlight sustainable, low-cost innovations that safeguard water resources and foster environmental well-being..
Lake K11: A knowledge transfer model for sustainable aquaculture
8 January 2025
UTAR has transformed Lake K11 at its Kampar Agriculture Park into a model for sustainable freshwater aquaculture. The project, led by Dr Wong, Dr Teoh, and Dr Ooi, involves stocking high-value fish species, nurtured in university facilities to ensure higher survival rates, with plans to include native species in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries. Through research on water quality, fish health, and eco-friendly practices, the initiative demonstrates how ex-tin mining ponds can support sustainable aquaculture, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Another green year for UTAR green ambassadors
1 January 2025
UTAR’s Green Ambassador Programme empowers students to promote environmental stewardship and freshwater protection through hands-on learning, river monitoring, and community outreach. Since 2024, ambassadors have raised awareness on water conservation, conducted River Health Index assessments at Sg. Kampar, and engaged over 220 school students in interactive water filtration and renewable energy activities. Partnering with the Global Environment Centre, the programme develops scientific skills, fosters sustainable habits, and supports long-term protection of local water resources.
FEGT academic honoured with ASEAN Green Award grand winner
1 December 2024
Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, Deputy Dean of UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT), was named the ASEAN Green Award (AGA) Country Winner for Malaysia and also received the Grand Winner Award. His pioneering research advances sustainability, focusing on water and wastewater treatment. Dr Leong explores nanotechnology to harness sunlight as a sustainable energy source, developing advanced nanomaterials that effectively remove harmful pollutants, including pesticides, microplastics, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and pharmaceuticals, contributing significantly to environmental protection and innovative green technologies.
Cultivating sustainability: The revitalisation of UTAR Lake 5 as an aquaculture farm
4 October 2024
Continuing on their endeavour to transform abandoned lakes around Kampar into hubs of sustainable aquaculture, the team scored yet another milestone for sustainable aquaculture by successfully transforming Lake 5, located at UTAR Kampar Campus, into a sustainable fish farm. Lake 5 cultivates a variety of freshwater fish species, including Milkfish, Patin, and Carps. To ensure high-quality fish while preserving the lake’s ecosystem, Dr Wong’s team harnesses the lake’s natural resources, including its body of water, space, and ecological assets, focusing on biological integration and thus achieving the concept of self-sustainability.
5th ISGST drives innovation in sustainable technology research
14 October 2024
The 5th International Symposium on Green and Sustainable Technology (ISGST 2024), held on 14–15 October at Grand Kampar Hotel, Perak, was organised by UTAR’s Centre for Environment and Green Technology (CEGT). Themed “Bolster Sustainable Future via Green Technology Innovations,” it gathered over 100 experts from academia and industry to share research on VOC absorption, CO₂ capture, eco-friendly polymers, and sustainable transport. Selected papers were published in E3S Web of Conferences, strengthening international collaboration.
UTAR green ambassador programme 2024 honoured at river care awarding and recognition ceremony
26 September 2024
UTAR received recognition at the River Care Awarding and Recognition Ceremony, Kinta River Basin 2024, for its contributions to environmental sustainability through the UTAR Green Ambassador Programme 2024. The event celebrated collective efforts to protect the Kinta River Basin. Organised by the Global Environment Centre with Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran Perak and Yayasan Hasanah, it concluded the three-year project “Pengawasan Kelestarian Lembangan Sungai Kinta Melalui Amalan Hidup Hijau”, promoting sustainable community practices.
Water cooperation forum focuses on sustainable development and technological innovation
26 September 2024
The China-Malaysia Water Cooperation Forum, co-organised by UTAR and ACEF, convened over 80 experts to discuss sustainable water management and technological innovation. The forum highlighted collaboration opportunities between China and Malaysia to tackle water scarcity, pollution, and environmental management challenges. UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and ACEF leaders emphasised knowledge exchange, research sharing, and joint initiatives. Industry and academic speakers showcased advancements in water treatment and governance, reinforcing the forum’s role in driving innovation and strengthening bilateral water cooperation.
Scitech4U programme empowers young minds
13 August 2024
On 2 September 2024, UTAR STEM Outreach, in collaboration with the Division of Programme Promotion, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT), Faculty of Science (FSc), and Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), jointly organised the “Program SciTech4U - MOSTI STEM Camp 2024” at UTAR Kampar Campus along with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). This collaborative synergy created an engaging and immersive learning experience, sparking enthusiasm among the 81 students and three teachers from SMK Methodist Sitiawan. The workshop included activities such as producing hand sanitizer.
Learning trip to Top Glove Plant
6 August 2024
A learning trip to the Top Glove Plant offered students insights into its production processes and sustainability practices. Participants observed how the company manages wastewater, implements waste-to-product innovations through R&D, and operates a water reclamation plant. The visit highlighted the importance of efficient water use, responsible waste management, and technological innovations in promoting environmental sustainability. By witnessing these practices firsthand, students gained practical knowledge on integrating sustainable water management and resource conservation into industrial operations for long-term ecological and community benefits.
Another green year for UTAR green ambassadors
14 April 2024
The UTAR Green Ambassador Programme, partnered with the Global Environment Centre, empowers students to safeguard freshwater resources and promote sustainability. Ambassadors conducted river health monitoring at Sg. Kampar, organised water security campaigns with DIY water filter and hydropower activities, and engaged over 220 primary school students in outreach programmes. Combining scientific monitoring, hands-on learning, and community engagement, these initiatives raised awareness of water conservation, encouraged responsible water use, and strengthened UTAR’s commitment to preserving clean water and long-term ecological stewardship.
First runner-up at PIN 2023
9 October 2023
UTAR PhD student Yong Zi Jun won first runner-up in the Doctor of Philosophy category at PIN 2023 for his innovative nanotechnology project. Supervised by Dr Lam and Dr Sin, Yong developed a CuBi2O4/Bi2WO6/ZnO nanorod array photoanode in a solar-driven photocatalytic fuel cell, enabling simultaneous renewable electricity generation and municipal wastewater reclamation. The project demonstrated high efficiency, environmental and economic benefits, and the potential for integration into Malaysia’s wastewater treatment plants, supporting clean water, energy, and sustainability initiatives.
UTAR software engineering student wins third place in international article writing competition
9 Ocotber 2023
UTAR Software Engineering student Choo Jia Zheng won Third Place at the NYRE 2023 Article Writing Competition for “Innovations in Aquaculture for Climate Resilience.” Supervised by Dr Sugumaran, he highlighted climate change impacts in Malaysia and proposed in-house tilapia aquaculture using biofloc technology as a solution. Organised by Green Growth Asia Foundation, the competition encourages youth to raise environmental awareness, promote innovative thinking, adopt sustainable practices, and engage with pressing ecological challenges locally and internationally.
FEGT clinches one gold and one silver at PIID 2023
17 May 2023
UTAR FEGT academics and students achieved one gold and one silver medal at PIID 2023 for innovative sustainable projects. The gold-winning team, including PhD student Lim Khar Lok, undergraduate students Liaw Si Jian and Boh Chuang Jyhe, and FEGT academics Dr Sin and Dr Lam, developed an advanced photocatalysis system for palm oil mill effluent treatment, pathogen decomposition, and biogas generation. The silver-winning team created a sustainable wastewater treatment system with energy generation using copper scrap wire and constructed wetland microbial fuel cells, showcasing UTAR’s commitment to innovation, environmental solutions, and practical sustainability.
Turning wastewater into resource water
2 February 2023
The webinar “Wastewater to Resource Water,” led by Prof Dr Ronald Droste, explored transforming wastewater into safe, reusable water. Participants learned about recoverable and problematic wastewater constituents, lifecycle assessment frameworks, and sludge types. Prof Droste highlighted global water stress, scarcity factors such as climate change and pollution, and the importance of proper water management. He shared examples from Windhoek and Singapore on wastewater reuse for drinking, discussed treatment processes and nutrient recovery, and emphasized safe practices, concluding with an interactive Q&A session.
Relevance Research Centres
Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
Centre for Environment and Green Technology
Centre for Advanced and Sustainable Materials Research
Future Goals & Vision
- Achieve water neutrality across all campuses by 2032.
- Develop smart water monitoring and management systems.
- Community water sharing programme.
- Expand international collaboration on water and waste water research.
- 60% water reuse rate campus-wide
- 100% new buildings with reuse systems
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