Importance of Drinking Water Quality

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

Analysis of Chlorine Content and E.Coli and Sanitation Hygiene in Refill Drinking Water Depots in Bagan Sinembah District, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau in 2015

Importance of Drinking Water Quality

Water is a vital need for human life, and its quality is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of its users. The condition of drinking water must meet health requirements to prevent any interference with the welfare of its users. With the increasing demand for drinking water, the refill drinking water depot business has also experienced significant growth. However, the quality of refill drinking water is often not guaranteed, making it essential to pay attention to the safety of drinking water. This is particularly related to the possibility of dangerous bacterial contamination such as E.coli, as well as dissolved substances such as chlorine.

Research Objectives and Methodology

This study aims to analyze the content of chlorine and E.coli, as well as assess hygiene and sanitation in the refill drinking water depot in Bagan Sinembah District, Rokan Hilir Regency, Riau. The type of research conducted is a descriptive survey, where researchers observe the condition of the sanitation hygiene depot and conduct laboratory analysis to determine the presence of chlorine and e.coli in drinking water sold. A total sampling technique was used, where all depots in the area were included in the study.

Research Findings

The results of the study showed that none of the ten drinking water samples meets the physical feasibility requirements stipulated by the Minister of Health Regulation No. 43 of 2014. The value obtained from the assessment ranges from 29 to 65, indicating that the physical quality of the water is very alarming. However, based on the results of laboratory examinations, all refill drinking water samples were detected containing chlorine with levels that do not exceed the specified quality limit. In addition, the results of microbiological tests show that the existence of E.coli in drinking water samples fulfills the requirements set by the Minister of Health Regulation No. 492 of 2010.

Analysis and Implications

This finding raises important questions about the health and safety of the people who consume drinking water from the refill depot. Although chlorine levels are within a safe limit, the low quality of the physical water is an issue that is worth observing. Water with poor physical quality can be a means for the growth of microbes and bacteria, although directly E. coli is not detected. Therefore, it is very important to conduct tighter supervision and provide counseling to the owner and manager of the refill drinking water depot. The local health department must play an active role in increasing awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in the supply of drinking water.

Recommendations for Improvement

To ensure that public health is maintained through the supply of proper and quality drinking water, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct regular laboratory analysis to determine the presence of chlorine and E.coli in drinking water sold.
Implement tighter supervision and provide counseling to the owner and manager of the refill drinking water depot.
Increase awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in the supply of drinking water through public education and outreach programs.
Develop and implement policies and regulations to ensure that refill drinking water depots meet the required standards for drinking water quality.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of the quality of drinking water in Bagan Sinembah District and highlights the importance of ensuring that public health is maintained through the supply of proper and quality drinking water. The findings of this study emphasize the need for tighter supervision and increased awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in the supply of drinking water. By implementing the recommendations made in this study, it is hoped that the community can gain access to drinking water that is not only safe in terms of microbiology, but also meets good physical quality standards.

References

Minister of Health Regulation No. 43 of 2014
Minister of Health Regulation No. 492 of 2010

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Conducting a comprehensive study on the quality of drinking water in refill drinking water depots in other regions.
Developing and implementing policies and regulations to ensure that refill drinking water depots meet the required standards for drinking water quality.
Increasing awareness of the importance of hygiene and sanitation in the supply of drinking water through public education and outreach programs.

By addressing these research gaps, it is hoped that the community can gain access to drinking water that is not only safe in terms of microbiology, but also meets good physical quality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chlorine Content and E.Coli in Refill Drinking Water Depots

Q: What is the importance of chlorine content in drinking water?

A: Chlorine is a disinfectant that is added to drinking water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. The presence of chlorine in drinking water is essential to ensure that it is safe for consumption.

Q: What is the recommended level of chlorine content in drinking water?

A: The recommended level of chlorine content in drinking water varies depending on the country and region. In general, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the chlorine content in drinking water should not exceed 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Q: What is E.Coli and how does it affect drinking water quality?

A: E.Coli is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in humans. It is commonly found in the environment and can contaminate drinking water sources. The presence of E.Coli in drinking water is a serious health concern, as it can cause a range of illnesses, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and even life-threatening conditions.

Q: How is E.Coli detected in drinking water?

A: E.Coli is typically detected in drinking water through microbiological testing. This involves collecting a sample of drinking water and then testing it for the presence of E.Coli using specialized equipment and techniques.

Q: What are the health risks associated with consuming drinking water that contains E.Coli?

A: Consuming drinking water that contains E.Coli can cause a range of health problems, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and even life-threatening conditions. In severe cases, E.Coli can cause kidney failure, sepsis, and even death.

Q: How can refill drinking water depots ensure that their water is safe for consumption?

A: Refill drinking water depots can ensure that their water is safe for consumption by implementing proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including regular testing for chlorine and E.Coli content. They should also ensure that their water treatment systems are properly maintained and that their staff are trained in proper handling and storage procedures.

Q: What can consumers do to ensure that they are getting safe drinking water from refill drinking water depots?

A: Consumers can ensure that they are getting safe drinking water from refill drinking water depots by checking the water quality reports and certifications from the depot. They should also look for depots that have implemented proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including regular testing for chlorine and E.Coli content.

Q: What are the consequences of consuming drinking water that contains high levels of chlorine?

A: Consuming drinking water that contains high levels of chlorine can cause a range of health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer. In severe cases, high levels of chlorine in drinking water can cause kidney damage and other serious health problems.

Q: How can refill drinking water depots reduce the risk of chlorine contamination in their water?

A: Refill drinking water depots can reduce the risk of chlorine contamination in their water by implementing proper water treatment systems, including activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis. They should also ensure that their water storage tanks are properly maintained and that their staff are trained in proper handling and storage procedures.

Q: What are the benefits of using refill drinking water depots that have implemented proper sanitation and hygiene practices?

A: The benefits of using refill drinking water depots that have implemented proper sanitation and hygiene practices include access to safe and clean drinking water, reduced risk of waterborne illnesses, and improved overall health and well-being.

Q: How can consumers identify refill drinking water depots that have implemented proper sanitation and hygiene practices?

A: Consumers can identify refill drinking water depots that have implemented proper sanitation and hygiene practices by looking for certifications and water quality reports from reputable organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). They should also look for depots that have implemented proper water treatment systems and have trained staff in proper handling and storage procedures.