The Green Solution to Water Shortage in Rural Area
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456 The Green Solution to Water Shortage in Rural Area Mohd Nazaruddin Yusoff*1, Azlizan Talib2, Amirulikhsan Zolkafli3, Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman4, Mohd Fitri Abdul Rahman5, Sharif Shofirun Sharif Ali6 1,2,3,4,5,6School of Government, College of Law, Government and International Studies, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok Kedah Malaysia [email protected] Abstract Malaysia is one of the countries which received a large amount of rainfall which ideal for rainwater harvesting. As rainwater harvesting is a sustainable solution, it enables the reduction of the risk of water rationing and flooding. The technology behind the rainwater harvesting is effortless which can be easily adopted on any new or existing building. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to argue the sustainability and effectiveness of rainwater harvesting for the residential area at Kampung Bukit Lada and Kampung KEDA Bendang Perang. This project was executed using theoretical and practical short- term training methods to develop skills and innovation among rural youth in producing a sustainable product. The project also potentially as a solution for water shortage issue in the area which is experiencing low water pressure problems. The study concludes that the adoption of rainwater harvesting technology has certainly made residential societies self-sustainable. Keyword: rainwater harvesting, sustainable green technology, best management practice 1. Introduction Water is a vital necessity for both humans and natural ecosystems. The use of clean water can be divided into domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors. However, the agricultural sector does not require high- quality water such as other sectors. Hence, the domestic and industrial sectors are the main sectors of clean water users in Malaysia. From time to time, Malaysia has come across water shortages and things have yet to reach a critical stage; where people have no choice but to rely on rainwater as their sole source. Racing towards curbing the environmental issues facing the world nowadays, the government and many private institutions are reconcile exploiting respective role in creating a sustainable living environment that can best ensure a better future for the next generation. Therefore, rainwater harvesting is one of the ‘green’ initiatives that we have today. Rainwater harvesting is the course of collecting the rainwater directly from surfaces on which rain falls, filtering it and storing it for multiple uses. Rainwater harvesting puts the supply of water back to normal levels. It is the collection and storage of water from surfaces that rain has fallen upon (Johor et al., 2017; DID, 2009). 2. Rainwater Harvesting The rainwater harvesting system is considered the "Best Management Practice (BMP)" in Malaysia (Noorazuan, 1999 in Shamsuddin, Noorazuan, Asmala, Khin & Safiah, 2014). The system is intended not only to slow down surface runoff but also to be used as a free and safe alternative source of water supply. The catchment area for this system is the size of the roof of the building. The system has two main functions, namely "On-Site Detention" and “Rainwater Harvesting”. The On-Site Detention Storage serves to slow down the runoff by securing rainwater (Ahmad et al., 2000 in Shamsuddin et al., 2014); while the Rainwater Harvesting tanks are functioning as rainwater supplies for use in the toilet, watering the garden and of other uses. ISSN: 2005-4238 IJAST 451 Copyright ⓒ 2020 SERSC International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456 However, this rainwater is still not safe for our daily use such as bath water and drinking water. This is because there still might be some types of harmful dissolved chemicals that can endanger human health. Most of the harvested water can only be reserved for daily activities such as car wash, watering plants and washing of vehicles. The use of the Rainwater Harvesting System can have a good effect, which can save the use of clean water, reduce water bills, delay surface runoff and overcome water supply shortages problem in rural areas (DID, 2009). There are abundant benefits to adopting rainwater harvesting. First, it provides a unique alternative water supply method to complement existing clean piped water. Second, it is an environmentally friendly and green approach. Third, it reducing the dependency of people on pipe water hence discouraging future new dam construction and deforestations. Fourth, it reduces the water bills of the consumer. Occasionally, there are economic advantages such as rebates from local municipals for those who reduce the dependency on municipal waters. Fifth, on islands with limited fresh-water, rainwater harvesting is the major source of water for domestic use; and lastly, it lessens flash flooding and soil erosion (DID, 2009). Installing and operating rainwater harvesting technology is simple. For instance, the local community also can easily learn to implement such technology. At the same time, the construction materials of rainwater harvesting are also readily available. On one hand, rainwater harvesting is appropriate in the sense that it provides water timely for utilization. On the other hand, all family members have full control of their own systems, which greatly reduces operation and maintenance problems. Running costs are almost negligible. Water collected from roof catchments usually is of acceptable quality for domestic purposes. The collection of rainwater from the roofs of buildings can easily take place within our cities and towns. All that is necessary to capture this water by directing the flow of the rainwater from roof gutters; straight into rainwater storage tanks. Undertaking this flow, water can be collected and stored for diverse usages. Reliant upon household ability and necessities, both the collected water and storage capacity may be increased as needed within the available catchment area. 3. Installation of a Rainwater Harvesting System A proper rainwater harvesting system requires these basic items; construction. Sometimes it may be necessary to install a pump and have separate distribution pipes from potable water. It is recommended to measure the amount of rainfall and runoff from the roof; while non-potable water usage should be metered to monitor water usage (Rachel, 2016). The following factors are required to be considered in any rainwater harvesting system design; rainfall intensity, rain distribution, roof and catchment area, building and roof design, intended water consumption pattern, water quality requirement, first flush requirement, filtration requirement, storage tank size and placement, rainwater downpipe, guidelines, green rating requirement and budget (Rachel, 2016). According to Rachel (2016), the rainwater harvesting tank can either be placed underground or aboveground. In addition, the system needs to be designed to prevent mosquitoes and bacteria breeding. The design should also ensure minimal maintenance requirements while ensuring the quality of the rainwater harvested. 4. Project Goals This project was using theoretical and practical short-term training methods; to ensure that rural youth will be a skill and innovative enough in producing a sustainable product and a long-term business opportunity. This product will benefit users in the aspects of low water bills as well as optimizing natural ISSN: 2005-4238 IJAST 452 Copyright ⓒ 2020 SERSC International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456 water resources. This project can potentially solve the problem of water supply shortages in some rural areas; which are usually low pressure. 5. Project Objectives This project emphasizes the following objectives: 1. Encourage and educate the use of natural resources (rainwater) efficiently and maximally; 2. Educate the public on how to reduce wastage and pollution of natural resources; 3. Provide opportunities for local youth to engage in small-scale industry activities in the production of rainwater harvesting systems 4. ; and 5. Bring awareness to the community about the importance of securing each water source. 6. Research Area Pokok Sena is an area located in the state of Kedah Darul Aman and is the 12th district declared by the Sultan of Kedah in 2009. The Pokok Sena town is located at three junctions to Naka, Kuala Nerang and Langgar Kedah. In general, Pokok Sena is an agricultural area that involves the main activities of rice cultivation, rubber and cocoa (Jabatan Perancangan Bandar Dan Desa Negeri Kedah, 2011). Pokok Sena, which is a new district in Kedah, is undergoing a challenging development phase. The drastic increase in population and the rapid growth of the local municipal will change the development scenario and be able to create challenging socio-economic, and political issues. Therefore, the Pokok Sena District Office must play a very important role and function as the backbone of the new administration in Pokok Sena. Various challenges and expectations should be addressed in a good manner. Water supply problems that hit several areas, especially in Kuala Kedah, Pokok Sena and Merbok will be resolved when five water treatment plant upgrading projects are completed by 2020 (Utusan Malaysia, 1st June 2017). The Pokok Sena Water Treatment Plant (LRA), developed at a cost of RM68 million, is fully operational, thus solving the problem of water supply currently experienced by more than 63,000 people in the area (Berita Harian, 16th October 2017). 7. Implementation and Discussion This project has been implemented in two phases as follows: - Project Detail First Phase Second Phase Place Mini RTC Bukit Lada Kampung KEDA Bendang Perang Date 26 August 2017 10 November 2017 Student Involvement 6 6 Community 20 20 Involvement ISSN: 2005-4238 IJAST 453 Copyright ⓒ 2020 SERSC International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456 This project has a positive impact on the youth and the local community in terms of developing the skills of creating a rainwater harvesting system, and as well as promoting the interest of youth to pursue this project as entrepreneurs.