MP Reminds Bottled Water Industry to Ensure Source Water Safety

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Athari Gauthi Ardi, has reminded the bottled drinking water (AMDK) industry to ensure that products are safe from various harmful substances, as groundwater is not entirely protected from modern contamination. He cited the case of bromate content in drinking water that was recently discussed in West Sumatra, proving that the quality of drinking water is not only determined by production and extraction processes but also heavily depends on the chemical characteristics of the raw water. “Various studies show that groundwater is not fully protected from modern contamination,” said Athari at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday. So far, he said, groundwater has often been positioned or considered as a relatively safe resource because it has undergone natural filtration. However, the presence of contaminants or new compounds in groundwater, according to him, needs to be highlighted because it concerns environmental sustainability aspects. According to him, the sustainability of groundwater sources regarding the balance between extraction and recharge occurs very slowly due to geological conditions and land cover. On the other hand, he said, the needs of industry, particularly AMDK companies, are continuous and long-term, potentially creating an imbalance between water supply and demand. He stated that changes in land use, urbanisation, and lack of infiltration areas affect this natural recharge system. According to him, this situation is concerning for future generations. “In the short term, it may not seem too bad, but in the long term, it is very worrying for our children,” he said.