ITB Geophysics Team Tackles Clean Water Crisis in Cupang Village Using Cutting-Edge Geoelectric Techniques
By M. Naufal Hafizh
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh
CIREBON, itb.ac.id - The Geophysics Engineering Program and BSO HIMA TG "TERRA" ITB conducted a community service activity in Cupang Village, Gempol District, Cirebon Regency, on Saturday (3/8/2024). The aim of this activity was to analyze groundwater potential using geoelectric survey methods, specifically Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), to make a positive contribution to the village community.
The initiative was sparked by Cupang Village's openness to collaborate with ITB's Geophysics Engineering Department. The village sought the results of this geoelectric survey to support a proposal to the Public Works and Housing Office (Dinas PUPR). Previously, the village had drilled a 50-meter well, but the water produced only lasted for 2-3 days, highlighting the need for a more in-depth analysis of groundwater potential.
The data acquisition team, consisting of lecturers and Geophysics Engineering students, was dispatched to conduct the survey. The lecturers involved were Dr. Tedi Yudistira, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr. Dadi Abdurrahman, S.T., M.T. The student team included Rayhan Adri Fulvian, Faizal Wahyu Pratama, Muflihul Akbar Nugraha, Fadlu Rijal, Nadia Vero Ulina Ambarita, Rafi Rayhan Cendikia, Ayu I’anatul Maula, Adelia Vindi Cahyati, Chairul Akhyar, and Mochamad Refal. Each team member played a specific role in ensuring the successful operation of data acquisition in the field on August 3-4, 2024.
The VES method used in this survey aims to determine soil resistivity, which can help identify the presence and potential of groundwater in the area. Pre-implementation began with the team discussing field preparations, survey design, and selecting survey points.
On the first day of implementation, the team held discussions with residents and collected 82 data points from the first location between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. The second day continued with data acquisition at other points, despite facing challenges such as dense surface conditions and steep terrain. Over the two days, the team gathered data from two points with the farthest stretch covering approximately 500 meters, which will be processed for groundwater potential modeling.
“This activity provides an opportunity for ITB Cirebon Campus to benefit the community by offering services, information, and recommendations regarding the village's water potential, with hopes of further developing these resources in the future,” said Dr. Dadi.
With a spirit of service and dedication, this activity is expected to offer noticeable solutions for clean water needs in Cupang Village and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to understand the challenges in managing water resources.
Reporter: Ahmad Faujan (Oceanography, 2021)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
