Kajian Kualitas Air Tanah sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Air Bersih di Negeri Assilulu, Kabupaten Maluku Tengah

Indonesia

Abstract

A community service initiative was conducted in Assilulu Village, Central Maluku Regency, aimed at assessing the quality of groundwater used by the local community through physical and chemical parameter testing. Residents rely on groundwater from dug wells and springs as their primary sources for drinking and sanitation, often without knowledge of its quality or safety. Key challenges include potential contamination from seawater intrusion and domestic activities, alongside low public awareness regarding the importance of periodic water quality testing. Consequently, a targeted program involving active partner participation was implemented, comprising public outreach, water sampling, groundwater level (GWL) analysis, laboratory testing, and training on the use of simple water quality testing tools. Physical parameters analyzed included temperature, odor, and total dissolved solids (TDS), while chemical parameters included pH, salinity, CN, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl⁻, and Mn. Test results were evaluated against drinking water quality standards set by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 2 of 2023. The study revealed that most groundwater sources in Assilulu Village met drinking water quality standards; however, elevated levels of TDS, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ were observed at Location 1, Location 5, and an old well, indicating seawater intrusion. The initiative resulted in increased community knowledge regarding clean water management and the availability of physical and chemical data; furthermore, partners gained proficiency in using portable water testing equipment, enabling them to continuously monitor the quality of the water they use.