Water Pollution Control and Prevention
An-Najah National University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of water pollution control through proactive measures integrated into its infrastructure, operations, and strategic goals. These efforts ensure water quality across all campuses while minimizing environmental impacts. The university employs various strategies to prevent water pollution, including careful design of the water and wastewater networks, preventive maintenance, and a comprehensive water quality monitoring program. Together, these initiatives contribute to preventing water pollution and mitigating its impact effectively.
Water pollution prevention is embedded in ANNU’s Strategic Sustainability Plan 2020–2025 and guided by Palestinian Green Building Guidelines and Palestinian Water Discharge Regulations.
The University has developed and adopted several internal operational policies to minimize contamination risks and promote responsible water management, including:
These policies collectively ensure continuous compliance with Palestinian Environmental Law and international sustainability frameworks.
The Water Research Unit (WRU) plays a central role in water quality control and pollution prevention.
Three nationally accredited laboratories—Microbiology, Chemical, and ICP-MS Labs—perform continuous water testing across all campuses:
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Microbiology Lab: Detects biological contaminants (e.g., E. coli, total coliforms).
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Chemical Lab: Analyzes physicochemical indicators (pH, BOD, COD, nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals).
- ICP-MS Lab: Performs trace-element and toxin detection for advanced environmental assessment.
Periodic monitoring includes:
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Monthly sampling of, clean water, wastewater, irrigation water, and swimming pools.
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Biannual comprehensive reporting to the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority (EQA).
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Continuous recording through smart meters and sensors installed at strategic discharge points.
This rigorous program ensures that any deviation in water quality is immediately identified and addressed before pollutants can enter the environment.
Quality Control Report 2024
An-Najah National University (ANNU) has established a comprehensive system of preventive and emergency measures designed to ensure that no polluted or contaminated water enters the environment or the municipal water network. These measures form an essential part of the University’s environmental management framework and are implemented across all campuses.
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Preventive Maintenance
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The Engineering and Maintenance Department conducts regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of sewage pipelines, storm drains, and manholes to prevent blockages, leaks, or overflows.
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Scheduled maintenance of filtration systems, storage tanks, and treatment units ensures continuous operational efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.
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Pollution Prevention in Laboratories and Workshops
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Pre-Treatment of Laboratory Effluents: All laboratory wastewater passes through neutralization and sedimentation tanks before being discharged to eliminate chemical contaminants.
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Chemical Storage and Handling Protocols: Hazardous materials are stored in secured containment areas, minimizing the risk of spills or leaks.
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Emergency Response and Spill Management
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The University has an emergency response protocol for accidental chemical or wastewater spills. Rapid-response teams are trained to contain, neutralize, and safely remove contaminants.
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Spill kits and absorbent materials are strategically located in laboratories, mechanical workshops, and high-risk areas to enable immediate containment.
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In the event of a major incident, contaminated water is isolated, collected, and transferred to a treatment facility for proper disposal under supervision.
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Monitoring and Early Warning Systems
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Smart water meters and sensors continuously monitor water flow and quality, triggering alerts if abnormalities are detected.
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Data are reviewed in real time by the Water Research Unit (WRU) and the Engineering Department, enabling rapid intervention before pollution spreads.
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Coordination and Oversight
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All emergency responses are coordinated by the University Sustainability Office in collaboration with the Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) and local municipal authorities.
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Post-incident reviews are conducted to identify causes, assess impacts, and strengthen future prevention strategies.
All water quality activities are documented in periodic Quality Control Reports prepared by the Water Research Unit. Data from laboratory analyses and field monitoring are compared against Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards.