Analisis Kandungan Pb (Timbal) dan Kualitas Fisik Sumber Air Minum serta Keluhan Kesehatan pada Masyarakat di Desa Paropo Kecamatan Silahisabungan

Abstract

Water is essential to fulfil human needs, both naturally and artificially. In Paropo 1 Village, the spring serves as the main source of clean and drinking water, which is distributed through a community-managed pipeline system. However, poor pipeline maintenance, household waste disposal and other community activities have led to a decline in water quality, including lead contamination. The presence of lead in drinking water can cause serious health problems such as headaches, abdominal pain, and muscle pain. This study aimed to analyse the physical quality and lead content of drinking water sources and assess their association with community health complaints. This study was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design used with 61 respondents selected through grab sampling based on the Slovin formula. Water samples were taken from seven points, including the main spring and household taps, and tested for physical and chemical parameters. Results showed that three parameters exceeded the quality standards set by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 2 of 2023, namely turbidity, odour, and lead. Among the 61 respondents, 26 (42.6%) reported headaches, 9 (14.8%) reported fatigue and weakness, 8 (13.1%) experienced abdominal pain and muscle aches, and 1 (1.6%) reported difficulty concentrating. Cross tabulation analysis showed that respondents who consumed water with higher lead concentrations experienced recurrent health complaints more often (53 respondents, 88.3%). In conclusion, poor water quality especially due to lead pollution is associated with increased public health complaints. Therefore, community education and better management of water sources are needed to ensure the availability of safe drinking water and improve the health status of the community.