West Sumatra Deputy Governor Emphasizes Sinkhole Water Contains E-Coli Bacteria, Warns Residents Not to Drink

A team from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources conducted an examination and study of the sinkhole phenomenon that occurred in Limapuluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. ANTARA/Fandi Yogari

PADANG - West Sumatra Deputy Governor (Wagub) Vasko Ruseimy confirmed that the water contained in the sinkhole area (collapsed hole) in Jorong Tepi, Nagari Situjuah Batua, Limapuluh Kota Regency contains E-Coli bacteria.

"Based on the results of the initial study of the Geological Agency and the Health Office's inspection, the water quality shows a fairly high bacterial content," said West Sumatra Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy as reported by ANTARA, Monday, January 12.

In terms of Potential of Hydrogen (PH) or hydrogen potential, this water is below 6.5. Therefore, the government appeals and reminds the public not to consume it.

"So if you can, please don't drink it. It's like water in the river in general," said Vasko.

Vasko said the West Sumatra Provincial Government together with the Limapuluh Kota Regency Government, the Geological Agency and related institutions have carried out monitoring and further studies to ensure the safety of the community around the location of the incident.

The Deputy Governor hopes that this explanation can be a guide for the surrounding community so that they do not make mistakes in using water from the sinkhole location.

Vasko emphasized that this phenomenon is purely a natural process, and has nothing to do with mystical things or claims to be able to cure diseases.

"There is no water in this (sinkhole water) to cure diseases or for health. It doesn't exist," he said.

In addition, the Deputy Governor also reminded the public to continue to comply with the security limits that have been set. The police have installed a police line with a safe distance from the edge of the hole of at least 50 meters, considering that the soil is still potentially unstable.

From the results of the quick calculation, Vasko explained that the total dissolved solids (TDS) and iron (Fe) content are still considered safe. However, the high content of E-Coli bacteria is the main factor that makes the water unsuitable for consumption without first undergoing processing.

More in-depth studies are still being carried out by the West Sumatra Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) together with the Geological Agency. The results of the comprehensive study will later become the basis for technical recommendations to be submitted to the Regent of Limapuluh Cities to determine the continuation of policies related to the utilization and security of the area.