Around 50,000 customers of Perumda Air Minum (AM) Padang must prepare for potential clean water service disruptions over the coming year. This impact is the consequence of a large-scale rehabilitation project at the Gunung Pangilun Water Treatment Plant (IPA) and the Kampung Koto Intake, which is scheduled for completion in December 2026.
President Director of Perumda AM Padang, Hendra Pebrizal, acknowledged the numerous public complaints regarding declining water quality, such as turbid or odorous water, as well as reduced flow rates. He offered an apology and explained that this condition is due to the aging IPA infrastructure, which was built back in 1957.
"Much of the equipment is now fragile and can no longer process water optimally, especially when river turbidity rises drastically," Hendra stated. He added that his team is currently focusing on repairing 12 filter units and upgrading the purification system at the Kampung Koto Intake so that services can stabilize post-rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Technical Director of Perumda AM Padang, Andri Satria, emphasized that accelerating physical work is technically possible, but that option risks completely shutting off the water supply to customers for several months. Therefore, the company chose to continue distribution, even if the quality is sub-optimal, as a form of service responsibility.
As a short-term solution, Perumda AM Padang management advises affected customers not to consume tap water directly until it is completely clear. The company is also committed to distributing free clean water via tank trucks for residents in need by contacting the official call center.
