Water quality as a base of water treatment with appropriate technology in Girikerto Village, Sine Subdistrict, Ngawi Regency

Abstract

Girikerto village is located in the upper part of Bengawan Solo sub-watershed and Madiun River sub-watershed. This village has an important role as a recharge zone, while villagers take wood from forest and change land use which will accelerate deforestation on the northern slope of Mount Lawu. This research is needed because it studies the water quality from the spring and river in sub-watershed which includes Girikerto village, to find the alternative water source for drinking water. The objectives of this research are 1) to know the water quality, 2) to compare the water quality with the quality standard, and 3) to know the water pollution status in sub-watershed in which Girikerto village is included. There are several steps in the method, started from collecting water sources data and information; determining points of water sampling by field survey; water sampling; water quality testing in the field for physical properties such as color, odor, and taste; water quality testing in the laboratory for other physical, biological, and chemical properties. The samples are taken at two springs (Sumber Lanang and Sumber Koso) and three rivers (river flow after PLTMh 1-2, after PLTMh 3, and Klenteng). The value of water quality is then compared to the quality standard and calculated into the water pollution status based on TSS, DO, and COD. The results show that the water quality in the sub-watershed which includes Girikerto village vary, depending on place and time though not significant. In general, the water source used by the villagers is still on a safe level nowadays because still meet the quality standard or not polluted. The possible recommended water treatment will be conducted in the river flow after PLTMh 3 as an alternative water source, namely demineralization (deionization) as a preliminary project to create drinking water without cooking fuel (forest wood).