'We have no choice but to use polluted water'

'We have no choice but to use polluted water'

Believing that the groundwater in the capital is badly polluted
and contaminated, some residents shared their worries about
possible side effects to their health. Industrial zones with
their wastes and poor public awareness regarding the preservation
of the environment have worsened the groundwater quality. Some
expressed what they felt to The Jakarta Post.

Heru Hardoyo, 33, an employee of an industry in Pulo Gadung,
East Jakarta. He moved to Jakarta from his hometown in Central
Java five years ago. He now resides in Klender, East Jakarta,
with his wife:

In my opinion water quality in areas surrounding the
industrial zones, including Pulo Gadung, is getting worse from
day to day.

Most of the water here was severely affected by industrial
waste.

The situation makes me feel worried about our health. Now I
have to think twice when buying vegetables sold at the nearby
traditional markets as the supplies are from the small farms
located close to the industrial zones.

I see the local farmers watering the vegetables with dirty and
smelly water. I don't know for sure whether or not the vegetables
which are washed with contaminated water has side effects for my
family's health.

Personally, I doubt whether the water treatment systems made
available by the industries could cope with the environmental
problems.

Juni Arianti, 30, a teacher for a private senior high school
in Alam Sutera, Tangerang. The Yogyakarta-born lady has lived in
Serpong, Tangerang, for more than four years:

As far as I know, the water in Tangerang contains lead, and
the growing industrial zones have deteriorated the water quality.

Once I witnessed how the water supply company filters and
processes the tap water. The raw water was black and very dirty.
An official at the treatment plant said that the water produced
was not potable.

That makes me not drink unboiled or undistilled water.

I'm just concerned about the low income families living nearby
the industrial zones. I wonder if they have to spend much money
just for potable water.

The water quality in the city, I think, is deteriorating.

I just blame the public ignorance by littering any place,
including rivers and waterways.

Henny, 30, a housewife who lives in Bekasi with her husband
and two children. She has been in Bekasi for more than five
years:

The groundwater in my housing complex in Bekasi really makes
me sick. Every day I get a stomachache upon seeing the yellowish
and bad-smelling water at home.

Worse still, I have no other choice but to use the water for
bathing and washing as the tap water from PAM Jaya is not yet
available in the area. I spend more or less Rp 100,000 for
bottled mineral water to drink and cook every month.

Besides, I have to spend more money for cleaning the water
stains in my toilets and water container.

I don't know anymore whether it is extremely polluted or not.
All I know is the water is really disgusting.

I'm just scared knowing the neighbors have skin problems due
to the poor quality water.

I'm upset, but I have to take the polluted water.