Choosing a Drinking-Water Refill Depot: What Should You Check Besides Price?

Consider price alongside evidence

On 6 October 2026, ANTARA reported the closure of 18 drinking-water refill depots in Jakarta over non-compliance with water-quality standards and business licensing requirements. These findings are a reason to check carefully, rather than a basis for concluding that all refill drinking water is problematic.

For consumers, a useful question is how the operator maintains water quality every day. Several straightforward checks can help you explore the answer.

1. Read test results in context

Ask the operator to show laboratory reports relevant to that depot. Check the location, sampling date, sampling point, parameters tested, and conclusions. A raw-water report does not automatically describe water quality after treatment or after filling a container.

Check whether testing covers microbiological quality and relevant chemical parameters. Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade highlights regular testing at an accredited health laboratory or one designated by local government. Ask the operator or an environmental health officer to explain anything unclear.

A compliant result describes that sample at that time. It must be supported by everyday monitoring and maintenance; one report cannot guarantee quality indefinitely.

2. Follow the container through to filling

Observe whether containers are inspected on arrival, cleaned, rinsed, and sanitised under a clear procedure. Cracked or damaged containers, or those previously used for non-food substances, should be rejected. Internal cleanliness matters as much as external appearance.

Look at the filling area: is it protected from dust, standing water, and potentially contaminating activities? Does the operator maintain hand hygiene and avoid touching the inside of caps or container openings? Such observations help assess working habits, although they cannot replace water-quality testing.

At home, keep containers closed in a clean place and maintain the dispenser. Water can be recontaminated through dirty containers or poor handling.

3. Ask about maintenance as well as equipment

An operator should be able to explain the raw-water source, treatment stages, sanitation schedule, and maintenance records. Asking when equipment was last checked is more useful than simply asking how many filtration stages it has.

Each technology has a purpose and limits. Performance must be assessed against water conditions, operation, and maintenance. WHO guidance treats risk management from source to consumer as an important part of protecting drinking-water quality.

Transparency also shows in complaint handling. Ask what happens after an unusual odour, equipment failure, or non-compliant test result. A clear explanation helps consumers understand corrective action and temporary safeguards.

4. Match documents to the premises

Ask about business legality and the relevant Sertifikat Laik Higiene Sanitasi, or SLHS. Match the identity and address, then check its status or validity with the operator and issuing authority where necessary. Jakarta’s Health Office includes drinking-water depots among businesses requiring SLHS.

Documents should be supported by actual practice. Equally, a tidy-looking depot should be able to provide evidence of appropriate oversight and testing. Consumers can politely ask for an explanation before deciding.

Understand the treatment and quality-control process before choosing your refill depot.