QUALITY SURVEILLANCE OF REFILL DRINKING WATER DEPOTS IN INDONESIA: A LABORATORY EVALUATION FOR SDG 6

Abstract

Safe drinking water is a fundamental human need and a key indicator for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, particularly Target 6.1 on universal access to safe and affordable drinking water. In Indonesia, Refill Drinking Water Depots (Depot Air Minum Isi Ulang/DAMIU) have rapidly expanded as an affordable and accessible alternative to bottled water and municipal supplies. However, studies show that many DAMIU do not comply with health standards under Minister of Health Regulation No. 43/2014 on depot sanitation and Regulation No. 2/2023 on drinking water quality. This study aims to develop an evaluation quality surveillance system for DAMIU based on health laboratory testing and local policy analysis. A mixed-methods evaluative approach was applied, using laboratory testing of physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters and sanitation observations with standardized checklists. Secondary data were obtained from local health office reports, regulations, and academic literature. The study covered four geographic and regulatory settings: Dumai, Jambi, Makassar, and Yogyakarta. The findings show that most DAMIU do not fully comply with national drinking water quality standards. Physical parameters, including pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), were generally acceptable. However, excessive iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were found in Jambi and Dumai, mainly due to raw water characteristics. Microbiological contamination by Total Coliform and Escherichia coli was widespread in Makassar and Yogyakarta, associated with inadequate UV lamp maintenance, improper micro-filter calibration, and poor operator hygiene. Sanitation and operator certification were also inadequate. Institutional monitoring coordination remained weak, while public health laboratories (Labkesmas) were not fully integrated into routine surveillance. This study concludes that DAMIU surveillance should integrate accredited laboratories, local governments, and community participation to support local policy development and advance SDG 6 in Indonesia.