Karangwotan Village in Pati Regency, Central Java, has long struggled with clean water shortages due to its limestone-rich geographical landscape. The problem has worsened in recent years due to the diminishing number of forested catchment areas.
In response, the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) initiated a clean water access improvement project in Karangwotan through their flagship program, “Limestone Water Filtration for Daily Life,” aimed at converting hard water into safe, drinkable water for local residents.
Limestone is known to significantly affect the quality of well water, making it taste bitter, rich in mineral deposits, and likely to leave scales on household appliances.
As a result, residents have relied on bottled gallon water for cooking and drinking, which increases household expenses in the long run.
Observations conducted by the UGM KKN-PPM Jelajah Pucakwangi team over seven days found high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the groundwater consumed by residents.
Water quality tests using test kits confirmed elevated TDS levels, including significant lime deposits.
Aldi, a KKN student from the Geological Engineering program, explained that this condition aligns with the regional geology of Karangwotan, which consists predominantly of limestone.
He also noted that the elevation of the river’s water surface is higher than the groundwater level, allowing river water to seep into the surrounding groundwater system.
“The hard water in Karangwotan Village, Pucakwangi District, is caused by the limestone formations that make up the area, which release lime into the groundwater as it flows through,” Aldi said on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
The Jelajah Pucakwangi team followed up by installing water filtration systems at several key points throughout the village.
Designed to be simple yet effective, the filtration units are capable of reducing lime content and other dissolved solids, making the water safer for everyday uses such as washing, bathing, and cooking.
This innovation has been well received by the community, especially since long-term consumption of water containing high levels of lime may pose health risks.
Beyond providing a practical solution, the program also educates residents about the importance of managing clean water independently and sustainably.
Villagers are directly involved in both the installation and maintenance of the filtration systems, allowing for knowledge transfer that will support the program’s continuity after the KKN period ends.
“We aim to deliver a lasting, meaningful contribution. With this filtration program, residents can save money on bottled water and improve their overall quality of life,” Aldi added.
The Jelajah Pucakwangi team, under the supervision of Dr. Roza Azizah Primatika, hopes to raise awareness and build the community’s capacity to manage their water resources more wisely and independently.
The community empowerment programs are designed not only as learning experiences but also to train students to think critically about societal challenges and formulate strategic, impactful solutions.
Through this approach, UGM’s KKN-PPM program continues to serve as both an educational platform and a channel for tangible contributions to the nation.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: UGM Jelajah Pucakwangi Team