Work

Household and environmental determinants of faecal contamination in groundwater-sourced drinking water: a path analysis study in urban and rural Indonesia in 2020

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives This study investigates how environmental and household variables relate to groundwater quality in Indonesia. Design The research uses data from the 2020 Cross-sectional Household Drinking Water Quality Study, the National Socioeconomic Survey 2020, and climate records. Setting Indonesia. Participants The study includes 5965 households across 34 provinces, using descriptive and path analysis techniques. Primary outcome measures The microbiological quality of drinking water was primarily focused on Escherichia coli as an indicator of microbial contamination. Results Out of 5965 households, only 5.15% had emptied faecal sludge (FS) in the last 3 years, while E. coli contamination was detected in 71.21% of the samples. Improved drinking water sources and proper FS emptying practices were associated with better water quality. Conclusion These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and evidence-based policymaking to safeguard both drinking water quality and sanitation practices, which are crucial for public health and environmental sustainability.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093176