Improvement of Water Quality after Implementation of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) in Semarang City, Indonesia

Abstract

We implemented Water Safety Plans (WSPs) program at previous work due to poor of water quality in the coastal area of Semarang, Indonesia. The aimed of the research was to evaluate water quality before and after implementation of WSPs program in Bandarharjo village, Semarang city. This was an experimental design with steps for implementations of WSPs program adopted the guidelines and tools of the World Health Organization. Numbered 80 samples before and after implementation of WSPs and fulfilled by purposive sampling technique. The main parameters of drinking water were total coliform with MPN method, turbidity with turbidity meter, salinity and pH with potentiometer instrument. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon match-paired signed-rank test at α = 5%. Bacteriological quality of drinking water in Bandarharjo village has increased 17.5% after implementation of WSPs program. There were significant difference between total coliform (p = 0.016), salinity (p = 0.028), and turbidity (p < 0.001) before and after implementation of WSPs. Implementation of WSPs program has improved water quality, however regularly monitoring of the water supply system and bacteriological treatment are needed.