Busy lecture and practicum schedules often cause students to overlook one of their most basic needs: maintaining adequate body hydration. In fact, insufficient water intake can trigger dehydration, leading to reduced concentration and fatigue. For future dentists who require high levels of focus, staying hydrated is essential to ensure academic and practical activities run smoothly.
Understanding this need, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) introduced a free drinking water facility for the entire academic community. Unlike conventional drinking water systems, the installation at FKG UGM utilizes harvested rainwater. The rainwater is processed using Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology and ultraviolet (UV) light to produce hygienic, drinkable water.
Head of the Facilities and Infrastructure Unit of FKG UGM, Buana Yaksa, stated that the installation is capable of producing 100 gallons of drinking water per day. The faculty has directly tested the water quality at the Yogyakarta Central Laboratory for Environmental Health to ensure the processed water meets consumption safety standards.
“This water processing facility officially began operating on January 12, 2026, coinciding with the series of events for the 78th Anniversary of FKG UGM,” said Buana (13/5).
The installation system filters rainwater through several stages. Building gutters channel rainwater into a control tank to separate heavy particles. The water is then stored in a ground tank. The installation continues the filtration process using sand filters and activated carbon to reduce pollutant levels by up to 48 percent.
Afterward, the water is exposed to UV light to eliminate germs. The RO machine operates under high pressure to remove 95–99 percent of salts, minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants. The final filtered water is stored in an upper tank before flowing to drinking water taps across campus.
Buana further explained that routine machine maintenance is conducted to maintain water quality. “Ideally, maintenance for the UV system and filters is performed every three months, although it also depends on usage intensity,” he added.
He also plans to add more installation points in the new FKG building in the future. The initiative serves as an alternative drinking water solution for the academic community, considering the increasing operational costs of previous water supply services.
UGM hydrology expert, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono, IPM., ASEAN Eng., confirmed the feasibility of rainwater as a drinking water source. His research conducted at more than 50 locations showed that rainwater in Indonesia generally has neutral pH levels and high clarity. “Rainwater is naturally pure. If collected properly and processed correctly, its quality is very safe for drinking,” explained Prof. Agus.
The provision of free drinking water also encourages the habit of using reusable water bottles to reduce plastic packaging waste around campus. The facility has received positive responses from the academic community. FKG UGM laboratory staff member Oktaviani felt helped because the water installation is located near her workspace.
“If I want to drink, I can simply refill my tumbler. The water is also refreshingly cool,” said Oktaviani.
Meanwhile, Zahra, a clinical student, also regularly consumes the processed water. She considers the facility’s placement highly strategic because it is located in an open area where students commonly work on assignments.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
