Publication of SDG6 report
The Environmental Science Department at King Salman International University conducts research on water purification and conservation techniques. The university collaborates with local governments to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in underserved areas. KSIU publishes yearly reports about SDG 6; the current report is given here.
Ensuring Access to Water and Sanitation for All
Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in. There is enough fresh water on planet Earth to make this dream come true. But as a result of poor economic programs or weak infrastructure, millions of people—most of them children—die every year from diseases linked to inadequate water supplies, sanitation, and hygiene.
Water scarcity, poor water quality, and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices, and education opportunities for poor households around the world. Some of the world’s poorest countries are suffering from drought, which is worsening hunger and malnutrition.
By 2050, at least one in four people is likely to live in a country with chronic or recurring freshwater shortages.
Scientific Research
The university’s scientific production in this objective, according to the Scival databases (2021-2024), represents 5 research papers with an impact of 0.98 and 89 reference citations.
The university also encourages researchers to publish internationally to achieve the goal of Clean Water and Sanitation.
University Programs to Achieve Clean Water and Sanitation
King Salman University seeks to provide the necessary water for agriculture and all aspects of life and to apply the concept of investment and preserving every drop of water. In this context, the university has done the following:
Digging a well (in Ras Sudr branch) to irrigate the farm and landscape with a flow rate of 70 cubic meters/hour, with a total of 500 to 600 cubic meters per day.
Implementing water-saving installations and systems and selecting drought-resistant crops, which led to reducing water consumption on campus.
Using smart irrigation systems and automatic central control, which led to reducing the irrigation rates of crops in the branches by 30-35%.
Smart irrigation technology to improve water productivity and save energy for precision agriculture in light of the challenge of climate change in Egypt, funded by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology – Egypt (1.4 million Egyptian pounds).
Establishing the university’s educational, training, extension, and research farm on an area of 18 acres in the Ras Sudr branch, planted with olives, jojoba, and various vegetable varieties. A specialized company was also contracted to market the farm’s production.
Contracting underway for a groundwater desalination plant to ensure the sustainability of the university’s green spaces.
Activating the university’s electronic infrastructure, which helps in saving water through the technology used in irrigation works.
Raising awareness among faculty members, students, and administrators about the importance and objectives of water conservation and rationalization of its consumption.
Conducting many research projects on water quality, desalination, water footprint, water resources management, and wastewater (agricultural, sanitary, or industrial) and how to treat it.
Periodic maintenance is carried out on the taps and water tanks inside the university.
Stopping pumps or reducing their pressure when water is not needed.
Using high-quality water tanks and taps within the university to keep the water clean and safe.
Cooperation Protocols
Cooperation protocol between King Salman University and the National Water Research Center.
Cooperation protocol between King Salman University and the Egyptian Forum for Sustainable Development.
Infrastructure for Water Management
Preserving the university’s water resources and organizing operational matters to rationalize consumption and exploit all available water resources.
Installing a main filter station in the Sharm El Sheikh branch to purify water from rust and impurities, making it suitable for various activities.
Installing a multi-stage water purification unit in the Sharm El Sheikh educational hotel building, consisting of filters, pumps, measuring devices, and thermal purification units. This unit desalinates city water for drinking and kitchen use, achieving standards recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Submitting a proposal to collect condensation water from air conditioning units and reuse it for irrigation.
Conducting daily inspections and monitoring of water sources in all university facilities and quickly resolving any malfunctions or leaks by specialized technicians.
Creating 18 main valve rooms in the external network (supply – irrigation – fire) to facilitate maintenance and washing work.
Creating 4 air trap rooms to release air from the network, reduce pipe breakage, and minimize water waste.
Submitting a proposal to create an internal drainage network for rainwater and agricultural drainage, enabling storage, treatment, and reuse.
Sustainability Measures
Modern smart irrigation networks that operate automatically through programmable panels for irrigation at specific times.
Using the latest plumbing tools and modern, internationally approved valves to ensure maximum water supply efficiency.
Cleaning and sterilizing water tanks inside the university periodically.
Contracting a specialized company to treat branch water tanks, ensuring every drop of water is clean and safe for drinking.