By Ulul Maskuriah
Amuntai, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - River in North Hulu sungai (HSU) contaminated with ecoli bacteria and iron levels that exceed the quality standards established that it endanger public health.
Staff labolaturium of HSU Regional Water Company (PDAM) Era Retnaningsih here on Saturday revealed by the results of sampling at Balangan River basin, that has been the raw material for PDAM HSU, apparently piped water content of Coliform and Colitinja reach 22.000 MPN/100 ml sample.
Similarly, the test results of water samples Hilir Negara River, the raw material water treatment for IKK Alabio,
contain high levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) reach 4,600 MPN/100 ml sample.
"Though the content standards coliform and Colitinja
1000 MPN/100 ml samples should conform to the Permenkes (ministry of health regulation) standard, "said Retnaningsih.
The high content of E.coli in the river, said Retnaningsih,
because people still accustomed to defecate or throw garbage into the river so that pollute rivers.
In fact, she added, the existing water river in this region
is a source of raw water to be processed into drinking water taps for public consumption.
But - without intention to justify habits of various people throwing dirt into the river - according to Retnaningsih, river water that has been through a process of purification
by PDAM HSU is still suitable for consumption and safe for health.
Even though in dry season, when water flow is reduced, PDAM water production also remains safe.
Retnaningsih admitted, when the river shrinks, E.coli content will increases. But in the process of river water purification, taps company hold on Regulation Minister of Health number 492/Menkes/PER/IV/2010 about drinking water quality requirements.
"In Permenkes it required that the content of coliform
and colitinja must be eliminated of drinking water production taps," she said.