Residents of Banjarmasin coping with months of salty, undrinkable tap water can expect relief as PAM Bandarmasih moves to halt saltwater distribution and restore fresh water supplies following improving raw water conditions.
The operational shift follows a severe raw water deficit that forced the utility to ration supplies. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, utility management disclosed that normal raw water requirements reached 7.500 m³/jam, while available supply sat at just 5.600 m³/jam. That shortfall created a deficit of 1.900 m³/jam, compelling PAM Bandarmasih to divide fresh water distribution from IPA 2 across the city with reduced pressure and hourly scheduling.
Evaluations Prompt Supply Changes
Recent field evaluations indicate that raw water conditions have begun to recover, allowing management to phase out the saline supply. PAM Bandarmasih Public Relations representative Murjani, SE, confirmed the operational pivot during daily briefings. “Air asin segera di stop. Hasil evaluasi hari ini, pada intinya air kembali ke tawar,” Murjani stated.
Did You Know? The raw water deficit reached 1.900 m³/jam before evaluations showed enough improvement in local conditions to resume fresh water distribution.
While executives confirmed the decision to end saltwater delivery, officials have not yet released a definitive calendar for total cessation or full normalization across all consumer taps. Detailed schedules remain pending subsequent press releases from utility channels.
Impact on Affected Neighborhoods
The impending normalization offers a practical reprieve for communities across three districts impacted by seawater intrusion at the Sungai Bilu intake. Affected households previously relied on municipal supply solely for washing and sanitation, forcing residents to collect free fresh water from six designated distribution points.
With saltwater distribution ending, residents will no longer need to spend hours queuing with gallons and jerry cans at primary depots. Relief locations included the Kantor Utama A Yani, Booster S Parman, Kantor Bantu Cemara, Tower Soetoyo, Kantor Bantu KS Tubun, and MTP Sungai Lulut.
Management also pledged to maximize distribution networks to restore standard water pressure citywide. Emergency water pickup points established at neighborhood health clinics and village administrative offices will remain on standby until system stability is fully verified.
Officials urge customers to monitor official social media channels and customer service desks for specific updates regarding the complete freshwater normalization timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the water quality issues in Banjarmasin?
Seawater intrusion at the Sungai Bilu intake contaminated supplies, while an overall raw water deficit of 1.900 m³/jam strained municipal treatment and distribution capacity.
Where did residents collect free fresh water during the shortage?
Residents gathered water at six main locations: Kantor Utama A Yani, Booster S Parman, Kantor Bantu Cemara, Tower Soetoyo, Kantor Bantu KS Tubun, and MTP Sungai Lulut.
When will normal water service resume completely?
PAM Bandarmasih has confirmed that saltwater distribution will stop and fresh water is returning, but the utility has not yet released an exact calendar date for full normalization.
How has your household managed the water rationing and collection process over the past few weeks?
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