Evaluation of water and sanitation facilities in a school (Indonesia)

Tebuireng Central Islamic Boarding School, one of the largest in East Java, plays a significant role in social development and environmental improvement. However, challenges such as suboptimal clean water supply and inadequate sanitation persist. Although the boys’ dormitory has a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), regular effluent testing and maintenance are absent, while the girls’ dormitory lacks a WWTP, discharging wastewater directly into a river. Additionally, despite the establishment of Bank Sampah Tebuireng (BST) to promote waste sorting and recycling, individual awareness remains low. Furthermore, the drainage system is poorly maintained. This study aims to evaluate these issues. Research methods employed include field observations, laboratory tests on drinking water and domestic wastewater quality, and questionnaires administered to administrators and members of the boarding school. Questionnaires were designed to gather data on environmental awareness regarding clean water, wastewater, waste management, and drainage. The evaluation of clean water supply and sanitation facilities was based on three aspects: technical, financial, and community involvement. The findings reveal that the management of clean water supply and sanitation facilities at Tebuireng Central Islamic Boarding School does not meet the standards. This is evident from the results of well water quality tests, which showed that Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Total Coliform levels exceeded the standard limits, with TDS measuring 477 mg/L and Total Coliform at 12 MPN/100 mL. Wastewater management also falls short of standards in terms of both quantity and quality. In the boys’ dormitory, effluent quality does not meet the standard limits, with high levels of BOD (57.2 mg/L), COD (103.7 mg/L), TSS (46.7 mg/L), and Total Coliform (2,320,000 CFU/100 mL). The failure to meet effluent standards can be attributed to a lack of WWTP maintenance, overload, non-compliance with technical requirements, and negligence in operational procedures. Preventive maintenance is necessary to achieve effluent quality that meets the standards. Waste management at the boarding school is carried out at TWB, where waste is sorted into two categories based on predetermined criteria and has commercial value. It is planned to provide sorted waste bins in all areas of the boarding school to encourage individuals to dispose of waste according to the correct category, thereby increasing awareness of the importance of waste sorting. The drainage system in the boarding school area is clogged with dirt and sediment, requiring regular cleaning. The support of the boarding school community is needed to raise awareness of the importance of environmental management and improve quality of life.