The Impact Of Tourism Activities On The Water Quality Of The Namu Sira-Sira River, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
The Impact of Tourism Activities on the Water Quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra
Introduction
The Namu Sira-Sira River, located in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, is a vital source of water for the community, serving multiple purposes such as drinking water, recreation, fisheries, animal husbandry, and plant waters. In recent years, the river has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from various parts of the region. However, the increasing presence of tourism activities around the river has raised concerns about the potential impact on the water quality. This article aims to discuss the impact of tourism activities on the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River and highlight the importance of sustainable management practices to maintain the river's ecosystem and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the region.
Background
The Namu Sira-Sira River is a significant water source for the community in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The river's water quality is crucial for the health and well-being of the community, as well as for the sustainability of tourism activities in the region. However, the increasing number of tourists visiting the river has raised concerns about the potential impact on the water quality. Research conducted in June-July 2017 aimed to analyze the impact of community activities on river water quality and understand the perception of visitors and managers on Namu Sira-Sira tourism.
Methodology
The research conducted in June-July 2017 involved the collection of water quality data from three stations along the Namu Sira-Sira River. The observed water quality parameters included temperature, brightness, current velocity, DO (Dissolved oxygen), pH, BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and total coliform. The data were analyzed using the Government Regulation No. 82 of 2001 and the Storet Assessment System to determine the water quality category.
Results
The results of the study showed that stations 1 and 2 of the Namu Sira-Sira River were in category A (very good), indicating that the water quality meets the quality standards. However, station 3 showed moderate polluted conditions with a score of -25 and -17. This suggests that the negative impact of tourism activities and community activities around the river, especially at certain points, has affected the water quality.
Visitors' Perceptions
The study also explored the perceptions of visitors on Namu Sira-Ira's tourism. The results showed that 75.6% of visitors felt comfortable visiting the place, while the beauty level of the river was obtained a score of 79.1%, which was classified in the beautiful category. This indicates that despite the impact of pollution, visitors continue to enjoy the beauty and comfort offered by this tourist area.
Management Practices
The study also examined the management practices of the five managers involved in the tourism activities around the Namu Sira-Sira River. The results showed that all of them (100%) handle waste by piling up and burning. There is also a prohibition for visitors to litter as an effort to maintain the cleanliness of the area. This policy is crucial to maintain water quality and the environment around the river.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of sustainable management practices to maintain the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River and ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the region. The results of the study suggest that the negative impact of tourism activities and community activities around the river has affected the water quality. Therefore, it is essential to improve good management, education to visitors, and community involvement in maintaining the cleanliness and health of the river. By understanding the importance of maintaining the quality of water and the environment, it is expected that all parties-both visitors, managers, and the community-can contribute to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the Namu Sira-Sira river for future generations.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:
- Improved Management Practices: The management practices of the tourism activities around the Namu Sira-Sira River need to be improved to ensure that the water quality is maintained.
- Education and Awareness: Education and awareness programs need to be implemented to inform visitors and the community about the importance of maintaining the water quality and the environment around the river.
- Community Involvement: Community involvement is crucial in maintaining the cleanliness and health of the river. Therefore, community-based initiatives need to be implemented to engage the community in river conservation efforts.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the water quality and the impact of tourism activities on the river need to be conducted to ensure that the sustainability of tourism in the region is maintained.
By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River will be maintained, and the sustainability of tourism in the region will be ensured for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Impact of Tourism Activities on the Water Quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River
Q: What is the significance of the Namu Sira-Sira River in Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra?
A: The Namu Sira-Sira River is a vital source of water for the community, serving multiple purposes such as drinking water, recreation, fisheries, animal husbandry, and plant waters.
Q: What are the main concerns about the impact of tourism activities on the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: The increasing presence of tourism activities around the river has raised concerns about the potential impact on the water quality, including pollution, degradation of the river ecosystem, and loss of biodiversity.
Q: What are the observed water quality parameters in the study?
A: The observed water quality parameters include temperature, brightness, current velocity, DO (Dissolved oxygen), pH, BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and total coliform.
Q: What are the results of the study on the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: The results showed that stations 1 and 2 of the Namu Sira-Sira River were in category A (very good), indicating that the water quality meets the quality standards. However, station 3 showed moderate polluted conditions with a score of -25 and -17.
Q: What are the perceptions of visitors on Namu Sira-Ira's tourism?
A: The study showed that 75.6% of visitors felt comfortable visiting the place, while the beauty level of the river was obtained a score of 79.1%, which was classified in the beautiful category.
Q: What are the management practices of the five managers involved in the tourism activities around the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: The results showed that all of them (100%) handle waste by piling up and burning. There is also a prohibition for visitors to litter as an effort to maintain the cleanliness of the area.
Q: What are the recommendations for maintaining the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River and ensuring the sustainability of tourism in the region?
A: The recommendations include improved management practices, education and awareness programs, community involvement, and regular monitoring and evaluation of the water quality and the impact of tourism activities on the river.
Q: Why is it essential to maintain the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: Maintaining the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River is essential for the health and well-being of the community, as well as for the sustainability of tourism in the region.
Q: What can be done to reduce the impact of tourism activities on the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: To reduce the impact of tourism activities on the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River, it is essential to implement sustainable management practices, educate visitors and the community about the importance of maintaining the water quality, and involve the community in river conservation efforts.
Q: What is the expected outcome of implementing the recommendations for maintaining the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River?
A: The expected outcome of implementing the recommendations is to maintain the water quality of the Namu Sira-Sira River, ensure the sustainability of tourism in the region, and protect the river ecosystem for future generations.