August 18, 2026 — A community service team from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) implemented the program “Treatment and Provision of Clean Water Based on Multi-Stage Filtration for Post-Flood Water Quality Recovery in Padang Tualang Village, Padang Tualang District, Langkat Regency.” The partnership program forms part of efforts to apply science and technology to help communities obtain more suitable water access following flooding in the area.
The community service team, led by Ir. Erni Misran, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., together with Prof. Dr. Eng. Rondang Tambun, S.T., M.T.; Sri Zahrani Dwi Mauliyah Parinduri, S.T., M.T.; Ir. Titi Hayati, S.T., M.T.; and Ir. Nismah Panjaitan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPU., ASEAN Eng., carried out a series of activities, including assessing the condition of water sources, collecting and conducting initial water sample tests, designing the system, and installing multi-stage filtration units. The program was implemented with the active involvement of the Padang Tualang Village Government and residents.
As the main component of the program, two multi-stage filtration units were constructed and installed at the Padang Tualang Village Office and a local prayer room, respectively. The units were designed as water treatment facilities as well as demonstration models of appropriate technology that can be operated and further developed by the community. Following installation, the systems were tested to ensure that water could flow through the filtration stages and that the units could be used as intended. Documentation from the program also shows the installation process and activities involving the village government and residents.
Beyond providing the facilities, the community service team conducted outreach on filter use and sanitation education. Residents received information on the filtration system’s working principles, operating procedures, unit maintenance, and the importance of protecting water source quality. This approach is intended to ensure that the technology provides not only short-term benefits but can also be managed independently and sustainably by the people of Padang Tualang Village.
The directly verified outputs of the program include the construction and installation of two multi-stage filtration units, located at the Padang Tualang Village Office and the prayer room. Both units serve as water treatment facilities and demonstration models that can be utilized and further developed by the community.
The implementation team also guided the principles, operation, and maintenance of the filtration units, along with sanitation education. This assistance provides the village government and residents with the basic knowledge needed to operate the units independently. Regular water quality testing and unit monitoring remain part of the subsequent stages; therefore, quantitative improvements in water quality cannot yet be stated as outcomes.
The activity most directly supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation through the application of appropriate technology to support post-flood water treatment. Additional contributions relate to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through efforts to reduce water-related health risks, and SDG 13: Climate Action through strengthening community preparedness for the impacts of hydrometeorological disasters.
Through community needs-based engagement, FT USU reaffirms its commitment to applying knowledge and technology to address basic challenges at the local level. Sustaining the benefits of the program will require regular unit maintenance, replacement of filtration media as needed, continued assistance for local operators, and periodic water quality testing.