Universitas Andalas Restores Post-Disaster Access to Clean Water in West Sumatra with Electricity-Free Technology in Support of SDG 6 and SDG 9

Universitas Andalas has taken action to restore access to clean water in disaster-affected areas of West Sumatra by installing water purification systems at more than 10 locations. This initiative is aligned with SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, as it provides a technical solution that directly addresses basic community needs while applying appropriate technology in emergency situations.

The effort was carried out through the Disaster Response Community Service Program funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The Universitas Andalas Clean Water Team, led by Dr. Eng. Ir. Dendi Adi Saputra, deployed to Padang Pariaman Regency, Solok Regency, and Padang City to assist communities facing a clean water crisis in the aftermath of disaster. The team’s presence brought not only assistance, but also concrete solutions in the form of water purification system installations at locations that had become centers of activity for residents and displaced people.

Before the installations were carried out, the team first conducted surveys and water quality testing based on information provided by local residents. The survey results showed that after the floods, water flow in several locations was frequently disrupted and the available water was in a turbid condition. To address this situation, the team applied ultrafiltration technology capable of operating without electrical power, making it particularly suitable for disaster areas where infrastructure had not yet been fully restored.

Based on initial test results, the turbidity level of water in the affected areas reached 185 NTU, far above health standards. After undergoing filtration through the ultrafiltration system, water quality improved dramatically to 0.9 NTU, which was considered very good and even met drinking water standards. In addition to installing filters with a capacity of 20,000 liters per hour, the team, which also involved Mechanical Engineering students, repaired damaged pipelines, water pumps, and storage tanks at several locations.

The clean water systems have been installed at various strategic points, including Al-Kautsar Mosque in Nagari Muaro Pingai, the Muaro Pingai Walinagari Office, the Agriculture Office, SMP Negeri 2 Junjung Sirih, Jorong Subarang in Nagari Paningahan, Surau Tuo in Nagari Saniang Baka, Nagari Salibutan, Mushalla Katimaha in Nagari Pasia Laweh, Surau Gadang, Surau Janjang, Ubudiyah Mosque in Nagari Palembayan, and Nurul Ilmi Mosque in Limau Manis, Padang City. This distribution shows that the recovery efforts were directed toward locations that are accessible and can be directly utilized by the wider community.

The presence of these clean water facilities was welcomed positively by affected residents. One evacuee at Mushalla Katimaha in Padang Pariaman stated that previously the displaced residents had relied on only one spring well for many people. With clean water once again available, the toilet and bathroom facilities at the mushalla can now be used more properly and separately by women and men. The restoration of clean water access demonstrates that universities can play a direct role during emergency response periods, not only through academic expertise, but also through tangible actions that make a real difference in people’s lives.