14.5.5 Watershed management strategy

Srinakharinwirot University implements a campus-based watershed management strategy at its Ongkharak Campus, which is characterised by a network of large lakes and interconnecting waterways. These water bodies function as natural retention reservoirs that conserve stormwater runoff, reduce flood risk and provide a stable on-campus water source for irrigating extensive green areas and vegetation, thereby decreasing reliance on external freshwater supplies. In parallel, the University runs water conservation and recycling programmes, including the systematic replacement of old fixtures with water-efficient appliances. By 2018, 1,590 out of 5,007 water appliances (taps and flushes) on Ongkharak Campus—equivalent to 31.76%—were classified as water efficient. SWU also applies low-cost innovations, such as placing water bottles inside toilet tanks to reduce flush volume and overall water consumption. Together, the integrated use of campus lakes and waterways for runoff capture and irrigation, combined with efficiency upgrades and conservation measures, demonstrates a practical watershed management strategy that links water resource conservation, infrastructure design and responsible water use across the campus.

Evidence: SWU Green Campus – Water conservation and recycling programmes and campus water system description (Ongkharak Campus) – https://green.swu.ac.th/water.