Towards Safe and Equitable Water Access in Karst Landscapes: Lessons from a Community Water System in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia

Abstract

Community-based water supply systems play a crucial role in providing drinking water in tropical karst areas, where high groundwater availability often coincides with high vulnerability to contamination. This study evaluated the relationship between spring discharge, water quality, and household service coverage in six community-managed water supply systems in Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Indonesia. Data were collected through spring discharge measurements, water quality analyses (pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli), and household service coverage assessments. The results revealed a clear imbalance between water quantity, water quality, and community access. Springs with the highest discharges exhibited the greatest microbiological contamination, with total coliform concentrations reaching 2,300–2,600 CFU/100 mL, while some locations with good water quality served only a small proportion of households. Service coverage ranged from 8.4% to 39.1%, indicating that physical water availability alone does not determine community access to clean water. The integration of spring discharge, water quality, and service coverage suggests that water security in karst landscapes is shaped by the interaction of hydrological, technical, and institutional factors, not just water availability alone. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening water quality management, institutional capacity, and supporting the transition from basic water supply to safely managed drinking water services in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.1.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint