Balikpapan— Access to clean water is essential for supporting health and daily activities. Responding to this need, Joshua Tangke Mangalik, a Chemical Engineering student at the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), implemented a filtration technology to help improve the quality of well water at Yaumiddin Orphanage, Kilometer 24, Karang Joang Subdistrict, North Balikpapan District.

The project, entitled “Standardized Clean Water Production from Raw Well Water through the Application of Filtration Media Technology,” was carried out as part of the Social Innovation course under the supervision of Ir. Jefri Pandu Hidayat, S.T., M.T.

Well water used by communities and social institutions may not always meet the required quality standards for daily use. Its physical characteristics, including color, odor, turbidity, and suspended particles, can be influenced by soil conditions and the surrounding environment.

Through the application of filtration media, raw well water is processed through several filtering layers designed to reduce particles and contaminants. The technology was selected because it is relatively simple, practical, and adaptable to the needs and conditions of the local community.

The activity focused not only on implementing the technology but also on providing students with an opportunity to apply chemical engineering knowledge to real-life community challenges. Throughout the project, students learned to identify the partner’s needs, develop an appropriate solution, and ensure that the innovation could provide direct benefits.

Joshua said the activity provided a positive experience for everyone involved.

“Throughout the activity, I had a very positive experience because every part of the project created a positive impact for all parties involved,” he said.

The implementation of filtration technology at Yaumiddin Orphanage is expected to provide better-quality water to support the daily needs of its residents. The project also demonstrates that impactful technology does not always have to be complex, but can begin with simple solutions that directly address community needs.

Through the Social Innovation course, ITK students are encouraged not only to understand theories in the classroom but also to develop social awareness and problem-solving skills. The collaboration between the university and the community represents the implementation of higher education’s three pillars while demonstrating ITK’s tangible contribution to its surrounding environment.