According to a study on the hygiene and sanitation of DAMIU in the Jembrana district area, the productive age group dominates the age of operators. This age was chosen to consider excellent and adequate service capabilities and the need for labor that meets company standards. This is consistent with a prior study, which found that operators dominated DAMIU in Tanjung Pinang City when they were between 20 and 35 and transitioned into productive age (Enjelina, Purba, & Erda 2017). Most DAMIU recruited or hired in the Jembrana district already have work experience, making it more straightforward for managers to train before commencing work (Agista & Purwantisari 2020; Ellinda-Patra, Dewanti-Hariyadi, & Nurtama 2020; Thomas, Channon, Bain, Nyamai, & Wright 2020). However, some depot operating hours exceed the government-mandated maximum of eight hours; this may result in job fatigue and less productive employees managing DAMIU from an environmental, regulatory, and operational standpoint (Fajriah, Isamu, Mustafa, & Arami 2021). In addition, according to Table 2 of the study's findings, the subvariables for routine health checks were unmet, as neither employees nor operators believed routine health checks were necessary. Employees stated that they did not check their health at the health service if they did not have symptoms or signs of severe illness. It is a risk factor for disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic and may increase the likelihood of chronic disease owing to a lack of early screening (South Australia Health 2021).
Additionally, low income levels contribute to operators' need to understand the importance of routine health checks. The operator expresses that low income and noncompliance with the district's minimum wage for employees resulted in a lack of willingness to examine their health. It compromises the operator's hygiene and the surrounding environment. Depot owners must closely monitor operators because they can transmit infectious diseases through water. Monitoring the health of operators or depot officers is a priority to ensure the health of workers, DAMIU, and the quality of water produced. Suppose the depot owner needs to monitor this better. In that case, the DAMIU can be contaminated with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis via patient droplets, contaminated diarrhea from worker feces, hepatitis, which can be transmitted via touch and fluids, COVID-19, which can be transmitted via droplets, sneezing, coughing, and other diseases (Daniel, Gaicugi, King, Marks, & Ferrero 2020). Consequently, these subvariables necessitate additional monitoring and evaluation by related parties, particularly the local health department and community health center. In addition, operators with congenital and chronic diseases must constantly assess their health and guarantee that they are fit to operate on DAMIU. DAMIU owners monitor this to ensure the purity of the produced drinking water (Sofia, 2020; String et al., 2021).
The findings regarding the hygienic practices of subvariable handlers result from the filled drinking water depot (DAMIU) operators' lack of service cleanliness and water distribution maintenance. This subvariable must convey the operator's concern for the purity of refillable drinking water. Operators who fail to wash their hands prior to filling water gallons or assisting customers run the danger of transmitting sickness and contaminating DAMIUs. The liquid is moved from storage tubes to consumer gallons (Dreibelbis et al., 2018). Polluting and disease-carrying hands are significantly more likely to transmit disease than organs, the environment, or gallon consumers carry (Galindo et al., 2021). Water was tainted when contamination was transferred from the customer's gallons to the operator's hands. Additionally, a lack of operator hygiene threatens household-level public health (Weaver et al., 2016).
Operator DAMIU, who had never attended sanitary hygiene workshops, provided little knowledge of cleanliness. Some individuals must comprehend and adhere to standard operating procedures in the workplace. Relevant parties shall perform assessments to confirm community service providers' safety, cleanliness, and quality. The owner's lack of knowledge regarding the fulfillment of operational signs, such as the use of personal protective equipment such as aprons, footwear, and handscones, is a signal that must be improved to ensure the quality of DAMIU, the cleanliness of the product, and the production of refillable drinking water (Ellinda-Patra et al. 2020; Anthonj et al. 2021; Cha et al. 2021). In addition, smoking while working and serving clients while refilling water containers is inconsistent with acceptable handler standards. The presence of smokers among workers or operators who fill water into gallons has the potential to create pollution in the form of ash from burning cigarettes and contamination of gallon water with cigarette smoke, which could cause new diseases and reduce the quality of water consumed by the community (Novitasari 2020; Galindo et al. 2021; Kato et al. 2021).
The study's findings regarding the subvariable sanitary equipment utilized are still present at DAMIUs, which must replace microfilter tubes periodically. When DAMIUs cause the presence of dirt, they may contaminate it (Enjelina et al., 2017). Bacterial contamination of DAMIUs can result in diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, dysentery, and gastroenteritis (Galindo et al. 2021). Bacterial contamination of drinking water can result in diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, dysentery, and gastroenteritis (Saimin et al. 2020; French et al. 2021; Imtiyaz, Putri, Hartono, Zulkarnain, & Priadi 2021; Putra, Rozari, & Soetedjo 2022). In addition, the microfilters and disinfection equipment used did not meet the standards and had expired. The majority did not have tiered microfilters and only used 1–2 microfilters, following the standard guidelines established for microfilter criteria at refillable drinking water depots ranging from 0.5 µm, 0.3 µm, and 0.1 µm. If this is not done correctly, it will impact the water quality produced. The use of inappropriate microfilters will affect the cleaning quality of refillable gallons and pollute people's drinking water (Piccoli, Virga, Maucieri, & Borin 2021; Wyasena et al. 2022). DAMIU microfilters must adhere to food safety requirements and be updated regularly. It is anticipated that many microfilters with graduated diameters will be used to ensure the resulting cleanliness (Ministry of Health 2014).
In an earlier study conducted at the DAMIUs in Sidoarjo Park in 2018, the DAMIUs determined that people who do not employ backwashing systems to preserve microfilter cleanliness should maintain a routine replacement schedule for microfilter tubes (Oktaviani, 2018). A drinking water quality assessment at Pondok Pesantren An-Nuriyah Wonocolo Surabaya in 2020 showed that the low number of microfilters and not replacing microfilters regularly in DAMIUs helped reduce pollution and the number of bacteria in DAMIUs made from depots. Meanwhile, disinfection equipment did not function appropriately in fittings for subvariable equipment. It reduces sterilization's germ-killing capacity, which falls short of the minimal criteria for drinking water hygiene outlined in sanitation depot number 43 of 2014 (Ministry of Health 2014).
According to these findings, disinfection equipment must be routinely monitored, as it is the principal cause of bacterial contamination in refillable drinking water (Akhter et al., 2020; Novitasari, 2020). In contaminated containers or water, sterilization and disinfection equipment failures facilitate the growth and spread of pathogens. Consuming it causes fecal-oral illness, which lowers the standard of living regarding hygiene and public health (Ohorella & Endah, 2020; Piccoli, Virga, Maucieri, & Borin, 2021). A recent study indicated that in Pagan, Kusan Hilir District, Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan, the poor quality and functionality of disinfection and sterilizing equipment at the DAMIUs led to a significant prevalence of diarrheal illnesses. It arises because bacteria and other pathogens cannot be successfully filtered; evidence includes microfilters that do not meet specifications (are not graded) and less-than-optimal disinfection and sterilization equipment. Bacteria and other pathogens are not UV-resistant; therefore, they will perish if their cell walls are exposed during sterilization or disinfection. Alternatively, if disinfection equipment is ineffective, pathogens can rapidly contaminate water, proliferate, and cause disease in those who consume contaminated water (Andiarsa, Setyaningtyas, Hidayat, Setianingsih, & Haryati 2018).
Moreover, findings on the characteristics of the DAMIU with subvariables where production was obtained still identified a DAMIU with a 100 m distance. They were adjacent to the permanent and temporary landfills. This causes contamination if, when the garbage carrier passes through DAMIU, in addition to contamination due to dust and other dirt, the resulting aroma can trigger the presence of vectors such as flies, which has implications for the slum environment due to unpleasant odors or other sources that generate flies in the depot area. In addition, proximity to permanent or temporary waste disposal facilities may result in disagreeable odors, influencing consumers' opinions of DAMIUs and water quality. This is detailed in depth in the section on the cleanliness of DAMIUs (WHO 2006; Ministry of Health 2014; Slavik et al. 2020). The distance between refillable drinking water depots is meant to meet predetermined quality criteria to reduce the number of pollutants entering bodies of water, especially during processing. Dust particles transported by garbage trucks to landfills or temporarily to the depot area can contaminate or transfer filling-process water and the surrounding environment. The foul odor near the DAMIUs had a detrimental impact on the community's reputation and clientele, decreasing the depot's earnings. Following health laws, the depot area must contain contaminants such as air, noise, and unpleasant scents that could impede customer service operations (WHO, 2006; Ministry of Health, 2014).
An, Bich, Yi-Ching, & Hien (2021) found that the floors of DAMIUs are not waterproof; have a smooth, nonslippery, noncracked surface that does not collect dust and is easy to clean; and have a suitable gentle slope that lets pollutant residues enter the DAMIU area. In refillable drinking water production facilities with nonwaterproof flooring, standing water can be built if water droplets leak and serve as nests or breeding grounds for vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, poisonous insects, and cockroaches. If this happens, DAMIUs become contaminated, jeopardizing the purity of the water and the environment (South Australia Health 2021). In addition, the roof ceilings of DAMIUs are insufficient or misaligned, resulting in rats and other rodents spreading disease and contaminating equipment. Environmental inspections conducted at 8 DAMIU must continue to be certified in illumination, which is crucial for operator safety. In addition, shaded areas and uneven lighting encourage the presence of lizards and vectors, such as mosquitoes and flies, to live and breed; therefore, replacing them with brighter and more uniformly distributed light bulbs will assist in reducing contamination in the DAMIU environment. A sink in a DAMIU is malfunctioning, and it is revealed that the water in the sink is always running, allowing mosquitoes and other vectors to lay eggs and nest there. Consequently, depot operators or owners must routinely monitor the cleanliness and health of the surrounding environment.
Additionally, it is detected in DAMIUs when mosquitoes seek to bite the handler; if the handler touches a portion of the body, the disease may be transmitted from the body to the DAMIUs. Additionally, some DAMIUs in the Jembrana district engage in additional activities, such as joining food stores or stalls, selling LPG gas, and selling betta fish. This results in a significant source of pollution at the DAMIUs. Additionally, the DAMIUs discovered a source of contamination in the depot area, including pet cats, birds, their nests, and small cages of pets capable of transmitting disease vectors (Ellinda-Patra et al., 2020; Health, 2021).
According to the research findings on the physical, bacteriological, and raw water characteristics obtained from the subvariables of physical analysis, all DAMIUs exceed the minimum standards for drinking water clarity, odorless ness, and tastelessness. However, the bacteriological analysis subvariable revealed the presence of refillable drinking water contaminated with coliform at 17.40% and Escherichia coli at 13.04%. Thus, DAMIU that does not meet these requirements must be monitored frequently and conducted under close supervision to ensure the high quality of the produced water (Batubara, Pohan, & Pasaribu 2021). According to Regulation Number 43 of 2014 issued by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, if the quality of refillable drinking water produced by DAMIUs is contaminated with germs and bacteria despite meeting the minimum value of 70 percent in various aspects, the DAM in question does not meet health requirements. Assume that each DAMIU owner can only meet some established quality standards. In this instance, the depot will be closed temporarily or permanently until the DAMIU owner can implement and frequently monitor quality requirements (Ministry of Health 2014).
Research by Rahmitha, Utami, & Sitohang (2018) supports this finding, which states that there is still much bacteriological contamination in refillable drinking water in the Tembalang Regency (Rahmitha et al. 2018). Furthermore, Galindo et al. (2021) and Mostafa, Camacho-Galván, Castelán-Martínez, Galdos-Balzategui, & Reygadas (2021) revealed that bacterial and pathogenic contamination in refillable drinking water occurs due to various factors, such as operator hygiene, environmental hygiene, and the quality of the raw water produced. In the subvariable analysis of raw water, it is still found that DAMIU does not obtain and does not have a guarantee letter for the supply of raw water during transportation, which makes it possible to suspect that the water obtained does not have a permit and does not know the source of raw water used clearly and legally. Research by Serrem, Illés, Serrem, Atubukha, & Dunay (2021) reveals that the quality of the water consumed by the community must be maintained, and the source is known to detect contamination in drinking water; therefore, additional investigation and administration of water sources from related parties are needed. Meanwhile, a small percentage of transportation workers do not use personal protective equipment, so contamination can occur when delivering water from water sources to DAMIUs (Kelly et al. 2021; South Australia Health 2021; Spanoudi, Golfinopoulos, & Kalavrouziotis 2021).
Hence, providing information specifically to DAMIU business actors and knowledge transfer to DAMIU operators must be carried out to improve the quality of services and refill water produced as well as improve management. The environment around the depot and improving the skills of DAMIU operators or owners are needed to ensure that the actions and services provided have met the standards of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 43 of 2014 concerning cleanliness and sanitation of water depots drinking and Decree of the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Indonesia number 651/MPP/Kep/10/2004 concerning technical requirements of drinking water depots and their trade.
Policy implications
This study seeks to analyze and evaluate the hygiene and sanitation of refillable drinking water in each DAMIU in the Jembrana District area. Our current findings are expected to be used as a reference to regularly monitor the quality of refillable drinking water by the Jembrana District Health Office, which is integrated with community health centers in each subdistrict. The hope is that adequately maintained refillable drinking water quality will minimize unwanted events, especially water-sourced diseases. Our research recommends that relevant parties re-evaluate handlers' personal health and hygiene behaviours and the need for increased knowledge to understand the risks posed by services not following established operational standards. Sanitary monitoring and equipment completeness are expected to replace microfilter tubes regularly; disinfection equipment must be in new condition and have a long service life; and tiered microfilters and disinfection equipment must function properly to ensure water quality. DAMIU owners or operators must pay attention to the surrounding environment, which includes periodic repairs to refillable drinking water production sites and checking the quality of the water produced on bacteriological analysis to ensure that the water produced is free from coliform contamination and Escherichia coli. Local governments must enforce firm regulations for DAMIU owners to operate refillable drinking water businesses and ensure compliance with the requirements set according to the Ministry of Health guidelines.
Research limitations
This research is still limited to the hygiene and sanitation profile in depot areas and refillable drinking water products produced by DAMIU in Jembrana District. Research has not identified refillable drinking water products contaminated with coliform and Escherichia coli or whether they directly impact the health of the consuming public. The report is limited to observations of DAMIU owners and operators for information collection and only focuses on indicators set by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. The study area still focuses on one district and has yet to be generalized to the area of Bali Province due to limited resources.