Barges Bridge Pontianak Residents to Fresh Water Sources
Pontianak, West Kalimantan – The atmosphere at the Nipah Kuning Dalam Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Pontianak appeared busier than usual on Wednesday (16/9). This follows the arrival the previous night of a barge carrying 1.1 million litres of fresh water from Radak Village, Terentang District, Kubu Raya Regency.
Amidst a prolonged drought and seawater intrusion that has increased the salinity of raw water from the Kapuas River, this supply serves as a vital resource to maintain the clean water needs of the Pontianak community. The fresh water is first collected and tested before being processed at the treatment plant. Once it meets the required standards, the water is utilised to meet public demand.
“This is a new WTP. It represents a significant investment and primarily serves the residents of West Pontianak. With this additional fresh water supply, we certainly hope the quality of available water will improve,” said the Mayor of Pontianak, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, during an inspection of the water arrival.
The raw water crisis in Pontianak stems from changing environmental conditions. The prolonged drought has reduced freshwater discharge, while simultaneously, seawater has encroached into the river flow, increasing salinity levels. The Penepat Reservoir, which has long been a primary raw water source, has also been affected; salinity levels there have exceeded 1,000 milligrams per litre, and the water has become turbid.
For the local water utility company, these conditions present a serious challenge. Raw water with high salinity levels makes the treatment process more difficult and impacts the operation of equipment. Consequently, the Pontianak City Government and Perumda Air Minum Tirta Khatulistiwa have had to seek alternative sources, eventually identifying Radak Village in Terentang District as a viable option.
Tests have shown that salinity levels at the new location are below 10 milligrams per litre. The water is being transported using three barges with capacities of 1.1 million, 5 million, and 4 million litres. If fully loaded, more than 10 million litres of fresh water can be transported in a single shipment.
“We will continue this practice until the salinity levels in the Kapuas River return to low levels and meet the necessary requirements. Once conditions return to normal, we will no longer need to source water from this location,” said Edi.
The journey to transport the fresh water is not without its challenges. The barges require approximately two days to reach Pontianak, and heavy haze with limited visibility necessitates extremely careful navigation. However, the community’s needs cannot wait; every drop counts.