The Effect of Distillation on Several Types of River Water On Clean Water and Drinking Water Quality Standards

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a distillation device in producing clean water from five major rivers in Yogyakarta, namely the Progo, Oyo, Opak, Gajah Wong, and Code Rivers. The distillation process utilizes an organic waste combustion system as a heat source to generate water vapor from river water, which is then condensed into liquid form. This method not only aims to produce clean water but also to promote sustainable practices by utilizing readily available organic waste as fuel. The study analyzed the resulting distilled water based on physicochemical and microbiological parameters in accordance with the clean water quality standards set by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, mineral content, total dissolved solids (TDS), and microbial contamination were measured. The results indicated that the distillation device was capable of producing water that met several clean water criteria, though variations in distillation efficiency were observed across river sources. These inconsistencies were mainly attributed to factors such as leakage in the device, fluctuations in combustion temperature, and differences in the initial water quality of each river. Furthermore, the distillation process significantly altered certain chemical characteristics, including a reduction in mineral content and shifts in pH values. In conclusion, while the distillation method shows potential as a viable alternative for clean water production, especially in rural or resource-limited areas, further improvements in system stability and design optimization are needed to enhance its consistency and overall effectiveness.