Water Quality Dynamics of Sumber Suko Spring in East Java, Indonesia: Towards Sustainable Management

Springs are vital freshwater sources for rural communities, yet they are increasingly threatened by nutrient enrichment, microbial contamination, and declining ecological integrity. This study assessed the water quality of Sumber Suko Spring in East Java, Indonesia, through an integrated ecological approach combining physicochemical, microbiological, biological, and hydrological parameters across wet and dry seasons. Physicochemical results showed stable temperature (24.1–26.7 °C), near-neutral pH (6.4–6.9), and adequate dissolved oxygen (6.2–7.4 mg/L). However, nitrate concentrations were elevated (39.37–48.16 mg/L), exceeding natural background levels and indicating agricultural leaching, while phosphate values ranged between 0.12–0.21 mg/L. Microbial analysis revealed high total coliform counts (24 CFU/100mL), far above WHO standards, although E. coli was not detected. Plankton analysis identified 10 genera, with Microcystis aeruginosa dominating, particularly in the dry season, signaling risks of eutrophication. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H’) ranged from 1.25 to 1.67, with evenness values between 0.43 and 0.56, reflecting low-to-moderate community stability. Hydrological measurements showed seasonal discharge fluctuations from 14.6 L/s in the wet season to 7.8 L/s in the dry season, strongly correlated with rainfall. Overall, the integration of nutrient enrichment, coliform contamination, and cyanobacterial dominance indicates that Sumber Suko Spring is under ecological stress and does not meet drinking water standards without treatment. The findings highlight the urgent need for source protection, disinfection, and continuous monitoring within a water safety plan framework. This study provides evidence-based insights to support local policy alignment with WHO guidelines and emphasizes the importance of community participation in sustaining spring ecosystems for long-term water security.