Telkom University Advances Sustainable Water Extraction and Monitoring Technologies

Keywords:WaterSustainability, SmartMonitoring, Innovation

Sustainable Water Extraction on Campus

Telkom University implements a comprehensive water conservation and filtration system across its campus. Each building is equipped with infiltration wells, allowing rainwater to seep naturally into the ground instead of flowing directly into reservoirs. This process enhances groundwater recharge while preventing surface flooding.

Furthermore, water entering the campus from nearby rivers is treated through the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) before passing into retention ponds and infiltration lakes. Only after this multi-stage treatment is water safely returned to surrounding rivers.
These mechanisms exemplify the university’s sustainable extraction model, balancing water use, recycling, and ecological preservation.

IoT-Based Water Quality Monitoring

Complementing its campus systems, Telkom University researchers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering developed a LoRa-based River Water Quality Monitoring System.The device, designed for real-time monitoring of the Citarum River, measures key water parameters such as pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) using wireless sensors.Data is transmitted to a central database for continuous analysis, achieving 94.4% accuracy for pH measurement and 85.9% for TDS readings, with a maximum data transmission range of nearly 68 meters. This innovation provides a safer and more efficient alternative to manual water sampling, supporting environmental monitoring programs such as Citarum Harum, which aim to restore West Java’s major river ecosystems.

Community Service and Sustainable Education

Through lecturer and student community service programs (Pengabdiankepada Masyarakat), Telkom University extends its research and environmental technologies to local communities. Activities include training sessions on water treatment, rainwater harvesting, and the implementation of clean water systems using renewable energy, empowering residents to adopt sustainable water practices in daily life.

Conclusion

By integrating sustainable water extraction systems, smart IoT monitoring, and community-based environmental education, Telkom University demonstratesa holistic approach to water sustainability.

source image: Journal Telkom University Website