Water Quality of the Pamukkulu Dam Reservoir for Sustainable Water Resources Utilization

Abstract

Pamukkulu Dam, located in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, is a vital infrastructure facility that supplies irrigation water to the local agricultural sector. However, changes in rainfall patterns associated with climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities within the catchment area may adversely affect reservoir water quality. Effective water quality management is therefore essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the dam's irrigation function. This study aimed to characterize the water quality of the Pamukkulu Dam Reservoir and assess its compliance with the Class IV water quality standards applicable to irrigation under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, involving water sampling at six strategically selected locations during the rainy and dry seasons across the preconstruction and postconstruction periods. Physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters were subsequently analyzed in an accredited laboratory. The results revealed that several water quality parameters failed to meet the applicable standards, including dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations below the minimum requirement and total phosphate, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and oil and grease concentrations exceeding their respective permissible limits. These findings suggest potential contamination associated with anthropogenic activities, although the specific pollution sources require further investigation. Such water quality deterioration may threaten the ecological