LAND CONVERSION AND CLEAN WATER SUPPLY IN JELEKONG VILLAGE BALEENDAH DISTRICT BANDUNG REGENCY

Abstract

The increasingly massive changes in land use in suburban areas have caused various environmental problems, one of which is the disruption of clean water availability for the community. This study aims to analyze the impact of agricultural land conversion on the fulfillment of clean water needs of residents in Jelekong Village, Baleendah District, Bandung Regency. The research method used a descriptive and inferential quantitative approach. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The research sample consisted of 66 respondents selected at random. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test. The results showed that there was a significant conversion of rice fields and farms into residential areas. This change caused a decrease in soil absorption and a reduction in groundwater reserves. Most respondents acknowledged a decrease in water volume, increased difficulty in obtaining clean water, and dependence on alternative sources such as bore wells and PDAM. The Chi-Square test results proved that there was a significant relationship between land use change and the level of difficulty in meeting clean water needs. This study concluded that uncontrolled land use change contributed to the clean water crisis in urban fringe areas such as Jelekong. Therefore, environmentally-based spatial planning, preservation of water catchment areas, and the implementation of water conservation strategies are needed.