UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail (middle) and Prof Edy (right) launching the aquifer well on the Skudai campus.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is the first university in the country to have its own aquifer well as an alternative source of clean water.
UTM deputy vice-chancellor (development) Prof Dr Edy Tonnizam Mohamad told StarMetro, “We were very lucky to find untapped water sources 158m underground at the UTM recreational forest, which is right at our doorstep.
“Finding water underground is many times more difficult than finding oil.
“The well can produce about one million litres a day and is expected to benefit 7,000 users on our Skudai campus.”
Prof Edy, who is also the university’s translational research grant programme (water) head, said the discovery by UTM researchers would help reduce the university’s utility costs.
“This project was initiated by UTM top management including our board of directors who wanted to develop technology to benefit the surrounding community, especially the students, lecturers and other staff members.”
He also said that more research should be done on using underground water sources in the near future.
He added that with climate change affecting rivers, which are the main sources of water in the country, having alternative water supply would be very important.
“The villagers near Gunung Panti and us at UTM are doing similar things as we are both making full use of natural spring or underground water as an alternative source.
“There is so much potential in underground water and natural springs,” said Prof Edy. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
