Palu refilled water businesses must get health certificate: academic

An academic from Universitas Tadulako (Untad) in Palu has emphasized the critical need for all refilled drinking water businesses to obtain a Sanitation Hygiene Certificate (SLHS). Prof. Nurdin Rahman stated that this certificate, issued by local government, serves as a guarantee for the safety and health of the water supplied to the public. His remarks come in response to findings that hundreds of refilled drinking water businesses in Palu have not yet met this mandatory requirement.

Rahman highlighted the potential long-term health impacts of consuming unhygienic water, warning of dangers such as E. coli bacteria. He stressed that the government must actively conduct regular inspections, monitoring, and evaluations of the water sources used by these businesses. This oversight is essential to ensure that the water meets the required standards for drinking water, especially for businesses that have not yet secured their SLHS.

The certificate is described as a form of licensing recognition, requiring businesses to meet specific technical standards. The head of the Palu City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Rico AT Djanggola, has urged the local government to expedite the evaluation of refilled drinking water depots lacking SLHS. Data from the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office (DPMPTSP) indicates that out of 160 such businesses in Palu, only two currently possess the SLHS.

Djanggola added that coordination with the local Health Office is necessary to enforce the SLHS requirement. Businesses failing to comply with the regulations may be temporarily suspended from operation until they fulfill all necessary conditions. This measure aims to ensure public health and safety by guaranteeing the quality of refilled drinking water.