The Green Solution to Water Shortage in Rural Area

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456

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.

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

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

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. Within a short period of time, the project has successfully implemented in Mini RTC Bukit Lada and Kampung Bendang Perang.

Hence, this process of rainwater harvesting can be a research topic and studied by youth involved and the benefits will be obtained by the RTC. This will be an excellent beneficial example to the whole community with the successful process of harvesting rainwater effectively.

The RTC management will be the center of advisory services to the community in relation to this technology and its system installation.

Exercises that have been given are both theoretical and practical in the involved area.

a. Participants are given exposure regarding appropriate and durable tank types. b. Use of pipe type, pipe connection and slope of the pipe so water can be efficiently channeled c. Tread placement in a suitable area to harvest water when it is raining. d. Build a suitable tank site using concrete to ensure stability, firmness, and safety e. Installation of outflow pipes that are suitable for use.

Furthermore, for long-term goals, youths will be encouraged to build their own systems in their chosen areas and advisory services will be provided from technical and entrepreneurial aspects. They are also encouraged to promote this system to the outside community and will directly enable them to engage in this low-cost start-up business.

The RTC may also act as a pilot RTC to another RTC. The method that uses this minimum cost will give a good return for the long run in terms of water bills and maximal use of natural resources.

Financial Cost for the System

Construction Materials Price (Ringgit Malaysia)

Water Tank (100 gallons) RM 450.00 x 2 unit Gutter (uPVC) RM 200.00 x 2 set Conveyance System RM 200.00 x 2 set Plumbing Works RM 400.00 x 2

Cement Steel Granite Aggregates RM 1000.00 Sand

Labour Caj RM 2000.00 Total RM 5,500.00

The rainwater harvesting system is an example of an optional water supply system that can be used in both industries and services. This study has shown that local meteorological conditions are suitable for the development of the system.

International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol. 29, No. 8, (2020), pp. 451-456

8. Conclusion

Malaysia is a country with adequate rainfall and ideal for rainwater harvesting. It will also reduce the amount of rainwater ended up in the drainage system. This will help to reduce overloading to the system which can cause flash floods and cascading health problems. Rainwater harvesting will minimize the dependencies on public water supply and hence, can avoid further waste of natural sources. Special congratulations to those who involved in this program and the biggest hope in this program are that it will be a pioneer and aspiration to the local community. Next, is to see that participants can benefit from saving up water and shall be able to build the same system in their respective areas. The continuous great relationship between universities and the community has also played an important role in ensuring the success of this project, and the high impact to serve the target community and people.

References

[1] DID. (2009). Rainwater Harvesting Guidebook. Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Selangor, Malaysia. [2] Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Negeri Kedah. (2011). Rancangan struktur Negeri Kedah. Kuala Lumpur: Jabaan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa Semenanjung Malaysia. [3] Wan Johor, S.F., Ibrahim, S.H., Yaman, K., Wahab, R.A., Nawi, M.N.M. (2017). Filtration of rainwater harvesting system in rural area, Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 12(Special Issue 2), pp. 181-191. [4] Rachel Koh. (2016, 4th Edition). Rainwater harvesting: The green solution to water shortage. Greenpages Malaysia, 18-21. [5] Shamsuddin Man, Noorazuan Md Hashim, Asmala Ahmad, Khin Maung Thet & Nurul Safiah Sidek. (2014). Kebolehupayaan sistem penuaian hujan sebagai bekalan air alternatif di Malaysia: Suatu penelitin awal. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 10(6), 97-104. [6] Yusoff, M.N., Ngah, K., Talib, A., Rahman, M.A.F. (2016). The Acceptance of Buyer to the Greenhouse Residency Concept. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, Vol:5, No.4, December 2016, 161-165. [7] Yusoff, M.N., Nawi, M.N.M., Ibrahim, S.H (2015). The Study of Green Building Application Awareness. Jurnal Teknologi(Sciences & Engineering). Vol:75, Series:9, 47-50.