Located on the eastern slope of Mount Agung, Datah Village is characterized by volcanic geological formations that limit groundwater storage. As a result, local residents have long depended on rainwater collected in reservoirs and simple storage facilities to meet their daily water needs. These conditions motivated the ITB team to investigate local water resource potential and develop solutions tailored to the area's unique geological characteristics.

The program is led by Dr. I Gusti Bagus Eddy Sucipta, S.T., M.T. from the Geological Engineering Program, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FITB), ITB. The multidisciplinary team includes Arif Susanto, S.T., M.T., Keisha Prillia Qayyima, S.T., Zahratunnisa, S.T., M.T., and Melina Ramadhanti from Geological Engineering, FITB, as well as Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Ir. Wahyudi Widiyatmoko Parnadi, M.S. and Evi Fuji Anti from Geophysical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering (FTTM), ITB.

Combining expertise from geology and geophysics, the team integrated geological mapping with geoelectrical surveys to characterize subsurface conditions down to approximately 250 meters. Based on geological mapping, geophysical investigations, and direct field observations, the team developed scientific recommendations specifically adapted to the geological conditions of Datah Village, ensuring that the proposed solutions effectively addressed the community's needs.

Field activities began with geological surface mapping in June 2025 to identify rock distribution, existing water sources, and supporting water infrastructure. This was followed by geoelectrical surveys in July 2025 at three priority locations: Pura Penataran Agung Kedampal, Embung Datah 2, and Karangsari. The survey results were subsequently validated through ground-checking activities conducted in February and June 2026.

In addition to producing groundwater potential maps, the team provided educational sessions for local residents on the hydrogeological characteristics of Datah Village and practical alternatives for sustainable water resource management. Based on the findings, the team recommended implementing a rainwater harvesting system as the most appropriate short-term solution for meeting the community's clean water needs.

As part of the program implementation, the team constructed eight new cubang toren rainwater storage units connected to household rooftops. These complemented two units installed during the previous program, bringing the total number of rainwater storage facilities available to the community to ten.

Beyond improving rainwater storage capacity, the initiative also enhanced community understanding of sustainable water resource management based on local environmental conditions. Consequently, the program not only provided physical infrastructure but also strengthened local knowledge and capacity for long-term water management.

As a long-term strategy, the team also explored the possibility of utilizing springs located outside Datah Village through a gravity-fed distribution system. One of the proposed alternatives is the revitalization of the Telagawaja Regional Drinking Water Supply System (Sistem Penyediaan Air Minum or SPAM). However, implementing this solution will require collaboration with local governments and other stakeholders due to its broader regional scope.

"We hope that, with continued support from ITB and collaboration with other stakeholders, sustainable raw water sources can be identified and supplied to the people of Datah Village. This would enable the community to become less dependent on stored rainwater and other surface water sources. Currently, most residents rely on reservoirs that collect rainwater over extended periods. Although the water has very low levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), it generally exhibits a relatively high pH and a slippery texture," said Keisha Prillia Qayyima, an ITB student involved in the program.

Reporter: Indah Marcelinawati (Urban and Regional Planning, 2022)