From interviews by Kompas team in a number of cities such as in Medan and Manado, North Sulawesi, it was revealed that residents have high hopes for alternative sources of drinking water, besides bottled water.
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KOMPAS EDITOR
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KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO
Refilling gallon bottled water made of polycarbonate in Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/9/2022).
Exposure to the Bisphenol-A chemical substance or BPA in gallon bottled-drinking water has sparked anxiety. In-depth studies and comprehensive solutions are needed.
The results of the BPA migration test for the 2021-2022 period by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (POM) show that the BPA content in gallons of water in six regions exceeds the threshold of 0.6 parts per million (ppm). In Medan, North Sumatra, BPA content in gallon bottled water was found to reach 0.9 ppm.
BPA is a plastic hardening chemical used to produce gallon packaging made of polycarbonate. Exposure to BPA appears in post-production, precisely in the distribution process, in the time between leaving the factory and arriving at the consumer.
Excess BPA exposure in water is dangerous if consumed. Besides being able to interfere with the reproductive system and cardiovascular system, BPA can also trigger cancer, diabetes, obesity and kidney disease. Brain development is also impaired, especially in children. (Kompas, 19/9/2022).
So far, the public has made drinking water in gallons their main alternative to piped drinking water, which in terms of quality is still far from ideal.
Information related to the chemical content of BPA in drinking water in gallons is like lightning in broad daylight. So far, the public has made drinking water in gallons their main alternative to piped drinking water, which in terms of quality is still far from ideal.
From interviews by Kompas team in a number of cities such as in Medan and Manado, North Sulawesi, it was revealed that residents have high hopes for alternative sources of drinking water, besides bottled water. Unfortunately, these mounting hopes have not been realized.
In Manado, for practical reasons, local residents are reluctant to move from gallon water. Alternative sources of drinking water outside that category are less desirable. Even, based on data, the number of customers of local drinking-water company PT Air Minum Manado from year to year continues to decline. In 2022, the total subscribers will only be around 24,000, down from 2021 which was recorded at 30,000. In fact, the number of Manado residents is 430,000. (Kompas, 22/9/2022).
KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO
Workers prepare to transport gallons of polycarbonate bottled water in Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/9/2022).
For a number of reasons, for the sake of health, they are willing to spend more to buy drinking water in gallons. The purchase of gallon water is even made by families in a lower-middle income bracket.
There are at least two alternative solutions related to the emergence of polemics related to the chemical Bisphenol-A in drinking water in this gallon packaging. First, improving piped water quality; and secondly, solutions related to gallon water that prioritize public safety and health.
It is necessary to build a capable system on a national scale, which can be applied in various regions, to transform raw water into drinking water.
The issue of piped water that is not of good quality for drinking has become a daily issue for more than a decade. It is necessary to build a capable system on a national scale, which can be applied in various regions, to transform raw water into drinking water.
With regards to the gallon water, it should be ensured that the quality of the gallon is in accordance with health standards, along with the distribution process to consumers. Regulations and production systems for the distribution of bottled drinking water must also ensure the availability of healthy water for the people.
