Jakarta Ground Water Dangerous to Consume

VIVAnews - The ground water condition in Jakarta is getting worse. It is no longer safe concerning its quantity and quality.

"People should use tap water from PAM (state-owned water company)," said the head of Jakarta Environmental Management Agency (BPLHD), Dian Wiwekowati, in a press conference at Harris Hotel on Friday, Feb. 26.

Based on BPLHD's research and investigation in 2008, the percentage of qualified drinkable water is very low. Good quality of ground water in North Jakarta is only 13 percent, seven percent in West Jakarta, nine percent in South Jakarta, and 35 percent in East Jakarta.

"The ground water basically has turned brackish," said the head of BPLHD.

BPLHD also urged people to stop using shallow ground water. Ground water in between 0 and 40 meters deep is very dangerous to consume. The water will be most likely infected by E-Coli, a bacteria causing diarrhea.

Based on the quantity aspect, Jakarta is also predicted as under ground water crisis. The ground water fluctuation between wet and dry season is always more than four meters. With this condition, it is predicted that ground water will not be found in the depth of 12 meters.

Based on the map of dryness in Jakarta, some areas are included in the critical zone, such as Pulogadung, Matraman, Tebet, Duren Sawit, Pasar Minggu, Ciracas, and Pasar Rebo. The ground water in these areas can only be found beyond 16 meters deep with fluctuation level more than 8 meters.

While Kembangan, a part of Kebon Jeruk, Tanah Abang, Menteng, Senen, and Cakung are in the most-critical zone. The ground water can only be found in between 8 and 12 meters deep with 4-6 meter of fluctuation.

Translated by: Ariyantri E. Tarman