Decision support system for urban river water quality as a source of clean water using the SMART method

Abstract Rivers play an essential role as vital water sources with roles spanning sanitation, hygiene, drinking, and agriculture, particularly in rural areas. However, Kabupaten Sleman’s river water quality, including its Kabupaten Sleman region in Yogyakarta, has severely degraded due to pollution from solid and liquid sources. Chemical contaminants have rendered the water unsafe, posing health risks. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the water quality in the rivers of Bedog and Sembung located in Kabupaten Sleman. This evaluation utilizes Water Quality Criteria from the Republic of Indonesia Government Regulations Number 82 of 2001, alongside assigned weights. The research employs a diverse range of methodologies, including in-depth literature analysis, meticulous field observation, interviews, and comprehensive water quality assessment. A Decision Support System is adeptly employed as a strategic tool to grapple with the intricate facets inherent in the issue, thereby formulating pragmatic resolutions that facilitate judicious decision-making across diverse contexts. In addressing the dimension of water quality for communities along the Bedog and Sembung rivers, the study seamlessly integrates the SMART (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique) approach. SMART’s agility in steering multi-attribute decisions expedites the decision-making process. SMART’s computational outcomes yield values of 0.304 and 0.395 for the Bedog and Sembung Rivers, respectively, both falling within the 0 to 0.49 range. This collective conclusion indicates that neither river meets the criteria for clean water quality, making it unsuitable for activities like sanitation, hygiene, drinking, and agriculture. The study underscores the urgency of rectifying river water quality, particularly in urban settings, to ensure safe and sustainable water sources for communities. The seamless integration of SMART as a decision-making tool amplifies the potential for effective interventions in navigating water quality management complexities.