Water quality survey to ensure that water can be purified for drinking purposes

Mojokerto, East Java - A team from the Center for Environmental Health of Pesantren (CEHP) of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) conducted a water quality survey at Pondok Pesantrem Husnul Hidayah, Gondang, Mojokerto on July 23, 2024. The survey was conducted to ascertain whether the water in the pesantren could be filtered and used as potable water, following previous reports of potential oil waste pollution in the surrounding river.

Initial information received by the CEHP UNUSA team stated that the river water around the pesantren was polluted by oil waste, especially during the rainy season. This pollution was thought to come from organic fertilizers used on rice plants around the area that were carried by rainwater into the river. However, after a site visit and detailed examination of the water quality, the CEHP UNUSA team found that the water at Pondok Pesantren Husnul Hidayah is generally qualified to be filtered and used as drinking water. “We found that water pollution only occurs in certain seasons, especially during the rainy season when runoff from organic fertilizers flows into the river. In other seasons, the water here is relatively clean and meets the standards for further treatment,” said Ahmad Jazuly Nabil S.S.T, the survey team from CEHP UNUSA.

The survey involved water sampling from several points around the pesantren and laboratory testing to evaluate its chemical and physical content. The analysis showed that despite some organic content during the rainy season, the river water can still be treated with proper filtration technology to become safe drinking water. Ustaz KH. Ahsanul Milal Lc, the person in charge of Pesantren Husnul Hidayah, expressed his gratitude for the results of this survey. “We are very grateful to the CEHP UNUSA team for conducting this survey. The results give us confidence that with proper treatment, we can provide clean water for the students”.

This survey activity is part of UNUSA's on going efforts to support environmental health and educational welfare in Indonesia. By conducting surveys and providing appropriate technical solutions, CEHP UNUSA hopes to contribute positively to the quality of life of students in various pesantren.