IDENTIFIKASI PERILAKU DAN PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PENCEMARAN AIR SUNGAI BEDADUNG DI JEMBER, JAWA TIMUR (Identification of communities behavior and perception on water pollution at Bedadung River in Jember, East Java)

Abstract

Bedadung River is used as sources of raw water by The Drinking Water Company (PERUMDAM) and also for agricultural irrigation. The urban segment of Bedadung River flows through Patrang, Sumbersari and Kaliwates Districts. The burden of pollution in the Bedadung River is increasing along with community activities. Apart from anthropogenic activities originating from domestic waste, sources of pollution in the Bedadung River are also come from agricultural activities (fertilizer and pesticides), industrial activities, population growth, organic and inorganic waste, urban development and weak management systems. The research objectives were to identify the behavior and perception of the urban segment communities on water pollution at Bedadung River. This study used primary data from survey using 400 respondents and secondary data from some institutions. Survey showed that majority of the respondents through away garbage to channel and river, however for feces disposal, 75% of the communities already had toilets. Based on community perceptions the current status of the Bedadung River is 58% polluted, 7% unknown, and 36% is good. This perception is based on Bedadung River water conditions such as the presence of garbage, water clarity and water odor. In order to maintain the environmental quality of the Bedadung River, the community and related stakeholders have carried out river cleaning activities on a sustainable basis. This preliminary study is expected to provide preliminary information on managing community-based river water quality in a sustainable manner.