Assessment of Water Usage and Water Management in Mae Fah Luang University

Abstract

A university may be compared by its size of population and activities to a small city, with high water consumption and in need of effective water conservation strategies. This study presents the results of a study of water consumption on the Mae Fah Luang University campus in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Consumption was classified by activity type, water usage and water saving behavior of students and staff. The results suggest strategies for water conservation on campus. With a water conservation plan focusing on residential areas (halls and homes), which accounted for the highest levels of consumption on the campus. The study also identified activities where water-use behavior was wasteful; hence, we propose practical strategies to reduce the university’s water use by a) raising awareness of the costs of wasting water; b) education to improve knowledge, attitude, and behavior in regard to water conservation, with examples of good practice.