Water Quality Degradation in the Deli River Watershed, North Sumatra: Impacts of Land Use and Pollution Sources

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Universitas Sumatera Utara have conducted a study to assess the water quality in the Deli Watershed, a crucial water source for Medan, Indonesia. The study aimed to evaluate the pollution status of the basin using various indices and spatial analysis. The results showed that the water quality varies from poor to good or excellent, with the most severe conditions observed in the downstream parts of the Sei Sekambing and Deli sub-watersheds. The study concluded that serious steps are needed from the government to restore and rehabilitate the Deli River Basin area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Deli Watershed is a critical water source for Medan, Indonesia, but is affected by urbanization and industrial discharge.
  • The study assessed water quality using pollution indices and spatial analysis across the Deli Watershed.
  • Water samples were collected from 46 spatial points, representing the downstream, middle, upstream, and tributaries of the watershed.
  • The pollution status of the basin was determined using the Pollution Index, NSF-WQI, CCME, and the SingScore Method.
  • The spatial water pollution in the Deli Watershed varies from poor to good or excellent.
  • Good or unpolluted river water quality was only found in 3 of 42 observation points, especially in the upper reaches of the Sembahe River and the Simai Mai River.
  • The study recommended serious steps from the government to restore and rehabilitate the Deli River Basin area, including forest areas, plantations, and tourist areas.
  • Rusdi Leidonald, Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, was quoted in the study as a contact person for additional information.
  • Additional authors for this research include Ahmad Muhtadi, Muhammad Arif Ashshiddiq, Vania S.P Siahaan, and Bunga Ulita Manurung.

Statistics:

  • Water samples were collected from 46 spatial points through purposive sampling.
  • The Pollution Index, NSF-WQI, CCME, and the SingScore Method were used to determine the pollution status of the basin.
  • The spatial water pollution in the Deli Watershed varies from poor to good or excellent, with 3 out of 42 observation points showing good or unpolluted river water quality.
  • The study recommended serious steps to restore and rehabilitate the Deli River Basin area, including forest areas, plantations, and tourist areas.

Sources:

  • Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, 2025, 15(4). (Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management - http://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/jpsl)
  • Bogor Agricultural University, publisher of Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.
  • Rusdi Leidonald, Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20155, Indonesia.
  • Ahmad Muhtadi, Muhammad Arif Ashshiddiq, Vania S.P Siahaan, and Bunga Ulita Manurung, additional authors of the research.