A study of drinking water quality of PDAM

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One of problems faced by community dealing with water services provided by the State-owned Water Company (PDAM) is inadequacy of the services in fulfilling household needs. Customers often complain because this limited volume of water they can use for daily activities, such the research found in a service quality analysis of drinking water provided by PDAM.

The study on service quality may have its cornerstones on three main aspects: the quality, quantity, and continuity.  In case of drinking water quality at the observed location, one should relate it to the quality threshold under the Letter of Decree of the Minister of Health Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Kepmenkes RI, No.907/MENKES/SK/VII 2002, which has been applicable since July 28, 2002. In addition, there is also another technique of analysis to measure the water quality level by examining water debit, water pressure, and flow continuity.

However, to deal with PDAM’s vision and mission, service quality analysis is likely to have more acceptable results. Following the Letter of Decree of the Minister of Domestic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Kepmendagri, No. 47/1999 effective as of May 31st, 1999, on the Manual of the Performance Evaluation of PDAM, this study performed the evaluation of financial, operational, and administrative aspects, as well as examine the water quality due to leaking water from leaked or damaged water pipes or accessories. Interview and field observation become the techniques of data collection. In particular, results from the field observation were compared with the ongoing standards.

Drinking water quality has fulfilled the needs of customers and met the standards required. However, from the quantity and continuity aspects, there were several cases that had not been properly provided by PDAM. The main problem was due to lacking water source. The study also found decrease in bacteriological quality due to the leaking water pipes or due to the damaged pipes. Whereas problems that prevented the customer service quality from achieving its goals included limited water billing service centers, poor socialization of the drinking water service, and the absence of customer communication forum.

Suggestions to PDAM are to make the best efforts in order to improve water source capacity, to respond more quickly to the leaking water due to damaged pipes, to provide an on-line billing service, and to optimize communication and socialization with the customers. On the other hand, the customers are also expected to support the development of the Drinking Water Facility System of PDAM. Finally, it is necessary for the Local Government to draft a Local Act on water source management in favor of the local people needs.

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