Assessment of Borehole Water Quality in the Limestone Mountain Area of Lekobala Village

Abstract

Lekobalo Sub-district, with a population of 3,543 people, relies primarily on borehole wells as its main source of domestic water. Although the water appears clear, interaction with surrounding limestone formations and possible anthropogenic inputs may compromise its quality and pose health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of borehole water in Lekobalo Village based on physical (temperature, TDS), chemical (iron, manganese, hardness, pH), and microbiological (Escherichia coli and total coliform) parameters. Water samples were collected once from six borehole wells representing three locations (western edge, central area, and eastern edge of the settlement). Physical parameters were analyzed in situ, chemical parameters were examined at LPPT UGM, and microbiological parameters were analyzed at UPTD BLKD. Water suitability was assessed in accordance with Indonesian Ministry of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2023 on Environmental Health Quality Standards. The results showed that at Location 1, the mean TDS was 325 mg/L, with E. coli at 19 CFU/100 mL and total coliforms at 154 CFU/100 mL, all exceeding the permissible limits. At Location 2, mean TDS was 384 mg/L, with E. coli at 0.5 CFU/100 mL and total coliforms at 7 CFU/100 mL, both above drinking-water standards. At Location 3, the mean pH was 8.55, and E. coli and total coliform were 5.5 and 14 CFU/100 mL, respectively, exceeding the maximum allowable values. Overall, the borehole water in Lekobalo Village does not meet the required drinking water standards and therefore requires appropriate treatment before consumption.