Semarang – A research team from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), conducted a study on the carrying capacity of water resources in Sekaran Village, Gunungpati District, Semarang City, on 27 October 2025. Led by Dr. Hariyanto, M.Si., with Dr. Rahma Hayati and other team members, the research involved local residents of Sekaran as key participants. The study aimed to assess the capacity of local water resources to meet the needs of the community in an area that has experienced rapid growth as an educational hub, particularly due to the increasing number of UNNES students residing in Sekaran.
The research employed field observations and community discussions to obtain a comprehensive understanding of water availability, patterns of water use, and the challenges faced by residents in accessing clean water. The research team focused on examining the relationship between the expansion of residential areas, rising water demand, and the carrying capacity of existing water resources. The findings indicate that the growing population—especially the increasing number of students living in Sekaran—has placed considerable pressure on local water supplies, resulting in a water resource deficit, particularly during the dry season.
According to the research team, this situation deserves serious attention because access to clean water is a basic human necessity and a crucial factor in sustaining an educational community. During prolonged dry seasons, the discharge from natural water sources declines significantly, making it insufficient to meet the needs of all residents. Consequently, many households are forced to purchase water from commercial suppliers, while others rely on alternative sources such as natural springs and nearby rivers to fulfill their daily water requirements.
The principal investigator, Dr. Hariyanto, M.Si., explained that the research seeks not only to map the carrying capacity of local water resources but also to formulate scientific recommendations for more sustainable water resource management in Sekaran. He emphasized that the findings are expected to serve as an evidence-based reference for local governments, higher education institutions, and the community in developing policies capable of accommodating increasing water demand driven by the expansion of educational activities while preserving environmental sustainability.
Community participation played a vital role in the study by providing first-hand information about the realities of water access and the strategies residents have adopted to cope with water shortages. These strategies include conserving water, purchasing clean water during the dry season, and utilizing traditional water sources that remain available in the surrounding area. The findings underscore the importance of collaborative water governance involving communities, government agencies, and educational institutions to ensure equitable and sustainable access to clean water.
The study also demonstrates that the development of educational areas must be accompanied by careful natural resource planning. Population growth and increased economic activities surrounding the university should be balanced with water conservation efforts, the expansion of groundwater recharge areas, and more efficient water-use management to maintain harmony between urban development and environmental carrying capacity.
This research reflects UNNES’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, by generating scientific evidence that supports sustainable water resource management, improves community access to clean water, and promotes equitable and environmentally responsible water utilization. Through research grounded in community needs, FISIP UNNES continues to contribute to scientific solutions aimed at strengthening water security and fostering sustainable regional development.
