The relationship between the catchment area and water quality in the Upper Citarum River

Today, the water quality of the Indonesian Citarum River is deteriorating due to changes in land use within its catchment area. This study was conducted to assess the influence of land use on water quality in the river's upstream zone at two sampling points. The analysis of six parameters was performed using spectrophotometric methods. The results showed potential patterns of increased land use for settlements, agriculture, forests, and plantations (a 22% increase in total) from the upstream to the downstream regions, which contributed to an increase in ammonia, nitrite ions, and hydrogen sulphide beyond levels that could harm humans. A water safety plan is the right tool to handle this by implementing control measures to manage the risks from catchment areas into the river water used as a drinking water source, ensuring that safe water is delivered to customers. These measures include water treatment, land use management, and water resource management.