ULM team installs water purifier for Barito Kuala coastal community

Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The ULM Faculty of Engineering's Materials and Membranes Research Group (M2ReG) team, initiated by Professor Muthia Elma, has installed water purification equipment for coastal communities in Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan.

"We install filtration equipment and membranes created by M2ReG research team to purify river water," said Muthia in Banjarbaru, Tuesday.

They target was Tinggiran II Luar Village in Tamban sub-district for the reason that it has long faced challanges in gaining access to clean water. 

Clean water supply pipes connection from the government or the regional water companies have not yet reached this village.

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People rely on river water as the main source for their daily needs, even though it is murky or less suitable for consumption.

Some of them even forced to buy clean water to Banjarmasin City using boats crossing river carrying jerry cans over long distance.

By installing filtration equipment and membranes, it is hoped that the quality of river water can be improved significantly and people can use it for various household purposes without worrying about health risks.

"Installation of filtration equipment and membranes is not only a short-term solution, but it is also a long term investment for the welfare of community of Tinggiran II Luar Village," she pointed out. 

Collaboration with various parties, including PT Adaro, through social program in partnership with M2ReG as implementitng facilitator has formed a solid foundation for building sustainability in water resource management in the area.

"The results of innovative work from academics who carry out this community service is hoped to inspire other villages in the surrounding area also throughout Indonesia," said the Professor of Chemical Engineering.

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