Aligning safe water access with SDG 6: A yearlong multisite assessment of drinking water quality in East Java, Indonesia

Drinking water quality in East Java is a significant concern for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. This study analyzed and monitored drinking water quality over 12 months, with monthly sampling at six water source points in East Java, covering physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. We used a case study method with Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Based on our analysis, the physical parameters were odorless, met regulatory standards, and were suitable for consumption. In addition, color values remained below 0.33 on the Pt-Co scale. Chemical parameters showed that the average pH ranged from 7.36 to 7.42, total dissolved solids levels between 131.83 and 135.42 mg/L, and Fe levels between 0.032 and 0.043 mg/L. Most locations showed Mn levels below the detection limit (<0.006 mg/L), with occasional detectable values up to 0.033 mg/L. Residual chlorine concentrations during the monitoring period ranged from 0.35 to 0.41 mg/L, and no indicator bacteria were detected. Microbiological indicators did not detect Escherichia coli or coliform bacteria, indicating that the drinking water met microbiological safety requirements. Our results underscore that drinking water quality at the six monitoring stations in East Java is satisfactory, though there are temporal differences in some locations. Emphasis should be placed on regular monitoring to ensure that water quality is maintained in reservoirs and remains suitable for consumers, thereby supporting progress toward SDG 6.