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Liquor waste pollution in Bengawan Solo River disrupts operations of two waste water treatment installations
The majority of the 100 small enterprises in the area do not have waste treatment facilities.
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The Bengawan Solo River in Pasar Kliwon subdistrict, Surakarta, Central Java, has been polluted by waste from the production of a traditional Javanese alcohol called 'ciu'. (kompas.com/Labib Zamani)
T
he operations of two water treatment installations (IPA) in Surakarta, Central Java, have been disrupted by liquor waste pollution in the Bengawan Solo River.
It had previously been reported that waste from the production of a traditional Javanese alcoholic drink called ciu had polluted the river, resulting in the death of fish and disrupting the supply of clean water.
State tap water company Tirta Wening spokesperson Bayu Tunggul said the situation caused the closure of two water treatment installations (IPA) in Jebres and Jurug for two days.
“We cannot process the water because the waste is too thick. It has a murky color and smells like alcohol. We have had to cease operations, which has disrupted the water supply for residents in the area,” Bayu said on Thursday.
Ciu is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented sugar cane. The beverage is often produced by small enterprises in Bekonang village, Sukoharjo. The alleged polluter is a factory located next to the Samin Stream, which flows into the Bengawan Solo River.
Bayu said it was the third time liquor waste pollution had been reported in the area. In September, Tirta Wening was also unable to filter water because of a similar incident.
“We don't want to point fingers. However, there are many alcohol producers as well as small enterprises that produce batik and textiles in the upper course of the river. All their waste flows into the Bengawan Solo River,” Bayu said.
