Well Water In Mataram Still Polluted E. Coli Post-flood, Residents Are Advised Not To Use It For Cooking

Illustration: officers from the Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) of Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara Province, cleaned up river debris after the flood on July 6, 2025. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO-PUPR Mataram

MATARAM - Mataram City Health Office (Dinkes), West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), appealed to residents affected by the flood not to use well water for cooking temporarily.

The reason is, the results of the examination show that well water in a number of areas is still polluted with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

"The results of the examination by the puskesmas team periodically show that the dug well water and drilling wells still contain E. coli. Therefore, it should not be used for cooking," said Head of the Mataram City Health Office, Emirald Isfihan in Mataram, quoted from Antara, Friday, July 25.

However, Emirald said the well water could still be used for bathing and washing purposes, provided it was not for direct consumption or used in the cooking process.

According to Emirald, water quality checks are carried out regularly. Health center officials also distributed medicines as a form of intervention to help accelerate the recovery of water quality.

"The examination is carried out until laboratory results show that the water has met the quality standards or is safe to use for consumption," said Emirald.

The contamination of E. coli bacteria most likely originated from floodwaters carrying biological contaminants, including human droppings, which then absorbed into wells through soil pores.

The areas that are the focus of sampling include Sekarbela District and Cakranegara District.

Emirald emphasized that this pollution was not found in water sourced from the Drinking Water Company (PAM). Therefore, flood-affected residents are advised to use PAM water as an alternative, especially for cooking.

"We urge people to use PAM water for cooking purposes to maintain health," he said.