Keeping water clean can start with simple habits, such as managing household waste properly, reducing the use of chemicals, conserving water, and protecting the environment around water sources.
At the same time, protecting water resources also requires effective waste management and water treatment technologies that can be adopted by communities, industries, and governments.
Water is one of the most important resources for life. People need it for drinking, cooking, hygiene, agriculture, and various industrial activities.
However, population growth, economic activity, climate change, and environmental pollution are making access to clean water an increasing challenge across many parts of Asia, including Indonesia.
In Indonesia, water quality still requires serious attention.
Based on data cited by GoodStats, Indonesia’s Water Quality Index in 2022 stood at 53.88 points, below the target of 55.03 points. This highlights the importance of collective efforts to protect the quality of water sources.
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How to Keep Water Clean in Everyday Life
Keeping water clean does not always require major actions. Consistent everyday habits can help reduce pollution and protect the availability of clean water.
1. Manage Household Waste Properly
Food waste, detergent, cooking oil, and household chemicals can pollute waterways when disposed of carelessly.
For this reason, separate waste by type and avoid dumping it directly into rivers, drains, or other water sources.
Used cooking oil and grease should also not be poured down the sink because they can clog pipes and pollute the environment.
Instead, collect used oil in a container and dispose of it through an appropriate waste management facility.
2. Reduce the Use of Chemicals
Detergents, soaps, pesticides, and other chemicals can enter water sources through wastewater or rainwater runoff.
Use these products only as needed and choose more environmentally friendly alternatives when available.
Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture should also be applied responsibly. Excessive use can be carried by rainwater into rivers and lakes or seep into the soil.
3. Do Not Throw Waste into Rivers or the Sea
Waste that is disposed of carelessly can be carried by water into rivers and eventually the ocean.
Plastic, cigarette butts, food packaging, and other forms of waste can disrupt ecosystems and endanger various forms of wildlife.
Start by disposing of waste properly, reducing single-use plastics, and recycling items that can still be reused.
4. Do Not Dispose of Medicines and Oil Down Drains
Unused medicines should not be flushed down the toilet or poured into sinks because some of their contents can enter aquatic environments.
The same applies to motor oil and other automotive fluids.
Maintain vehicles regularly, especially when leaks are detected. Used oil and vehicle fluids should be taken to workshops or appropriate waste management facilities.
5. Conserve Water
Keeping water clean should also be accompanied by responsible water use.
Turn off taps after use, avoid unnecessarily long showers, and use only as much water as needed when washing vehicles or cleaning the house.
Conserving water helps protect water availability, particularly during dry seasons or droughts.
Protecting Water Sources by Maintaining the Environment
In addition to changing habits at home, keeping water clean also involves protecting the environment around water sources.
1. Plant Trees and Protect Vegetation
Trees and plants help absorb rainwater, stabilize soil, and reduce the amount of sediment entering rivers and lakes.
Vegetation around river basins can also act as a natural filter.
For this reason, greening programs and tree planting can become part of efforts to protect water quality while also reducing environmental degradation.
2. Clean Waterways Regularly
Drains and waterways filled with waste can block water flow and increase the risk of flooding or standing water.
Cleaning drainage systems regularly can help keep the surrounding environment clean.
Community clean-up activities involving families and local residents can also raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and water sources.
Addressing Water Challenges in Asia
Water issues in Asia are not only related to pollution, but also to water insecurity.
This condition can be caused by economic factors, such as limited investment, infrastructure, and planning, as well as physical factors such as climate change, drought, and shifting weather patterns.
For this reason, water management solutions require collaboration among communities, industries, governments, financial institutions, and technology partners.
Several technologies can support better water management, including desalination, water reuse, flocculation, and ultrafiltration.
Desalination can be used especially in coastal areas to process seawater into a more usable water source.
Meanwhile, water reuse allows collected and treated water to be used again, for example for irrigation, industrial purposes, groundwater recharge, or other specific needs.
Flocculation technology helps separate particles and contaminants from water, while ultrafiltration uses membrane systems to help reduce sediment and improve water quality.
These technological approaches are becoming increasingly important for Asian countries facing population growth, industrial demand, and pressure from climate change.
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TBS’s Role in Supporting Sustainable Energy
Environmental protection also needs to be supported by the transition toward cleaner energy sources.
TBS is strategically expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector through a range of environmentally friendly power generation projects.
In 2020, through PT Toba Bara Energi (TBAE), TBS acquired PT Adimitra Energi Hidro (AEH), the developer of a 2 x 3 MW mini-hydropower plant in Lampung.
The AEH project reached its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on January 22, 2025, contributing 6 MW of clean energy to the Southern Sumatra region.
The hydropower facility also provides a stable and sustainable energy supply, complementing intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
In addition, TBS acquired PT Bayu Alam Sejahtera (BAS), which has explored wind energy potential in East Nusa Tenggara, and is also developing the 46 MWp Tembesi Floating Solar Power Plant in Batam.
The Tembesi Floating Solar Power Plant reached financial close in 2024 and is targeted to become fully operational and connected to the national electricity grid in 2026.
The development of these projects is expected to deliver both environmental and social benefits, ranging from lower carbon emissions and improved air quality to the creation of green jobs, technology transfer, and collaboration with local communities.
Understanding how to keep water clean is an important first step in protecting one of life’s most essential resources.
However, water and environmental challenges in Indonesia and across Asia require broader solutions. Collaboration among communities, industries, governments, and businesses is essential to creating a cleaner and more sustainable ecosystem.
Through the development of renewable energy, TBS continues to contribute to the transition toward a more sustainable future.
