The Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) is the backbone of clean water service providers for the community. In Tegal, Central Java, PDAM, known as the Regional Drinking Water Public Company (PUMDA) Tirta Kinarya Tegal (PAFI Tegal), has played an important role in meeting the community's clean water needs for decades.

In line with the times and the increasing need for clean water, PAFI Tegal continues to innovate and adapt. This article will explore in depth the journey of PAFI Tegal, starting from its history, management system, challenges faced, to the vision and mission that are upheld.

Through a comprehensive presentation, it is hoped that readers can understand the important role of PAFI Tegal in the lives of the Tegal community and see its commitment to providing quality and sustainable clean water services.

History and Development of PAFI Tegal

PAFI Tegal has a long history that is closely related to the development of the city of Tegal itself. Starting from the basic needs of the community for clean water during the Dutch colonial era, PAFI Tegal was founded under the name "Waterleiding Tegal" in 1920. At that time, the clean water supply system was still simple, with the main source from natural springs and distribution through small pipes.

After Indonesian independence, Waterleiding Tegal then changed its name to PDAM Tegal and continued to grow. In the 1970s, PDAM Tegal began building drilled wells and water treatment plants to increase the capacity and quality of clean water services.

Technological developments and changes in organizational structure also occurred over time. In the 1990s, PDAM Tegal transformed into the Regional Public Drinking Water Company (PUMDA) Tirta Kinarya Tegal (PAFI Tegal).

This transformation aims to increase the efficiency, professionalism, and accountability of PAFI Tegal in carrying out its duties. Since then, PAFI Tegal has continued to make various efforts to improve the quality of its services, such as building more modern water treatment plants, expanding distribution networks, and implementing a more transparent billing system.

PAFI Tegal's Role in Community Life

PAFI Tegal plays a vital role in meeting the clean water needs of the Tegal community. Clean water is a basic human need for life, health, and sanitation. PAFI Tegal ensures access to clean water for all levels of society, from households, industry, to the agricultural sector.

The clean water services provided by PAFI Tegal contribute significantly to improving the quality of life of the community. Adequate clean water supports the health, education, economy, and social progress of the Tegal community.

PAFI Tegal's Challenges

Despite much progress, PAFI Tegal still faces various challenges in carrying out its duties.

Increasing Need for Clean Water: Population and economic growth in the city of Tegal continues to increase, so the need for clean water is also increasing. PAFI Tegal must continue to strive to meet this increasing need for clean water.

Threatened Water Quality: The quality of raw water used by PAFI Tegal is sometimes threatened by pollution from various sources, such as industry, household waste, and agriculture. PAFI Tegal needs to continue to make efforts to prevent and control pollution to maintain good raw water quality. Infrastructure Needs Improvement: The water distribution network in several areas still needs improvement and development to reduce leakage and increase the efficiency of water distribution. Billing and Financing: PAFI Tegal faces challenges in billing and financing operational and infrastructure development.

PAFI Tegal's Strategy in Overcoming Challenges

PAFI Tegal continues to strive to overcome the challenges faced with various strategies, including:

• Water Resources Development: PAFI Tegal continues to explore and develop new water resources, such as shallow wells, deep wells, and wastewater treatment.
• Water Treatment System Improvement: PAFI Tegal continues to improve the quality of the water treatment system with more modern and efficient technology.
• Infrastructure Improvement and Development: PAFI Tegal continues to improve and develop the water distribution network to reduce leakage and increase the efficiency of water distribution.
• Application of Information and Communication Technology: PAFI Tegal applies information and communication technology to improve operational efficiency, billing, and service to customers.
• Increasing Community Participation: PAFI Tegal encourages community participation in maintaining the quality of clean water and supporting PAFI Tegal programs. 

Source https://pafipctegal.org