Bacteriological Quality of Refillable Drinking Water in the Simpang Tiga Area of Samarinda City

Abstract

Introduction: Refillable drinking water is widely used because of its accessibility and affordability. However, its bacteriological quality requires monitoring to identify potential microbial contamination.

Objective: To assess the bacteriological quality of refillable drinking water based on total coliform and Escherichia coli parameters in Simpang Tiga, Samarinda City.

Methods: This quantitative descriptive observational study included eight eligible refillable drinking water depots. Samples were examined at the Samarinda City Regional Health Laboratory between November 24 and December 3, 2025, using the three-tube, three-series Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Seven samples (87.5%) showed total coliform and E. coli results of <3.0 MPN/100 mL. One sample (12.5%), from Depot C, showed total coliform and E. coli values of 93 MPN/100 mL and 9.2 MPN/100 mL, respectively. Based on the laboratory's interpretation, seven samples met the requirements for both parameters, whereas one sample did not.

Conclusion: Most samples met the requirements for the two microbiological parameters examined. The source of contamination at Depot C could not be determined.

Keywords: Escherichia coli; MPN; refillable drinking water; total coliforms.