The Influence of Innovation Characteristics in Using the Water Purification Solution at the Household Level in the City of Medan

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 112 views

The Influence of Innovation Characteristics in Using the Water Purification Solution at the Household Level in the City of Medan

Introduction

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people around the world still lack access to this basic necessity. In Indonesia, the city of Medan is no exception, with many households relying on unclean and untreated water sources. To address this issue, various water purification solutions have been introduced, including Rahmat water, a product containing 1.25 percent sodium hypoclorite that can kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in water without needing to be boiled. This article aims to explore the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water in households in Medan City.

The Importance of Drinking Water Management

The National Conference on Household Drinking Water Management (Konas Pam RT) with the theme "Healthy Water for My Life" emphasizes the importance of increasing the behavior of drinking water management in the household. This conference introduced various drinking water treatment options that were cheap, affordable, and safe, including Rahmat water. The use of Rahmat water has been shown to be effective in maintaining water quality from re-contamination for three days in a closed container.

Methodology

This study aims to reveal and explain the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water in households in Medan City. The research was conducted in Medan City, with a sample in the Kelurahan Nelisan Indah, Aur, Kampung Baru, and Sari Rejo. Qualitative methods with in-depth interviews were applied to three adopter groups (early, middle, and late adopter), with each group consisting of three informants.

Results

The results showed that the characteristics of innovation that affected the Early and Middle Adopter groups were relative advantages (economy and health), conformity (in accordance with other family members), and complexity (not complicated) in the use of Rahmat water. Another factor that affects the middle adopter is education level (has insight and often receives new information) and reference group (for example from others).

The late adopter group tends not to use Rahmat water because discrepancy (absence of family support) and traditional value which is held firmly. The head of the family or decision maker in the family, still adheres to the traditional value that healthy drinking water is boiled water, or water that does not smell like the smell of chlorine in water that has been processed with Rahmat.

Discussion

This study shows that the characteristics of innovation, especially relative advantages and suitability, become an important factor in encouraging adoption of Rahmat water. Level of education and reference group also play an important role in influencing adoption in the middle adopter group. However, traditional value and discrepancy are the main obstacles for the late adopter group in adopting Rahmat water.

Implications for Promotion and Education Efforts

The results of this study have important implications for the promotion and education efforts of the use of Rahmat water. The right strategy is needed to overcome the obstacles faced by the late adopter group. The strategy can be in the form of:

*** Increasing education** about the benefits of Rahmat water, involving community leaders and influencers. *** Offers alternatives** Rahmat water that is more friendly with traditional values, such as using variations of products with softer odors. *** Building effective communication** between families, to get support in adopting Rahmat water.

Conclusion

With the right strategy, it is expected that the use of Rahmat water can increase, so that people can enjoy healthier and safer drinking water. This study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of water purification solutions like Rahmat water. By addressing the obstacles faced by the late adopter group, we can promote the use of Rahmat water and improve access to clean and safe drinking water in Medan City.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research can build on the findings of this study by exploring the effectiveness of the strategies proposed in this study. Additionally, research can be conducted to identify other factors that affect the adoption of Rahmat water, such as the role of social norms and community influence.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was limited to three adopter groups, which may not be representative of the larger population. Secondly, the study only explored the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water, and did not examine other factors that may influence adoption.

Future Directions

Future research can explore the effectiveness of the strategies proposed in this study, and identify other factors that affect the adoption of Rahmat water. Additionally, research can be conducted to identify the role of social norms and community influence in promoting the use of Rahmat water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of water purification solutions like Rahmat water. By addressing the obstacles faced by the late adopter group, we can promote the use of Rahmat water and improve access to clean and safe drinking water in Medan City.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Innovation Characteristics in Using the Water Purification Solution at the Household Level in the City of Medan

Q: What is Rahmat water and how does it work?

A: Rahmat water is a water purification solution containing 1.25 percent sodium hypoclorite that can kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in water without needing to be boiled. It is a safe and effective way to maintain water quality from re-contamination for three days in a closed container.

Q: What are the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water?

A: The characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water include relative advantages (economy and health), conformity (in accordance with other family members), and complexity (not complicated). Additionally, education level and reference group also play an important role in influencing adoption in the middle adopter group.

Q: Why do some people not use Rahmat water?

A: Some people do not use Rahmat water because of discrepancy (absence of family support) and traditional value which is held firmly. The head of the family or decision maker in the family, still adheres to the traditional value that healthy drinking water is boiled water, or water that does not smell like the smell of chlorine in water that has been processed with Rahmat.

Q: What are the implications of this study for promotion and education efforts?

A: The results of this study have important implications for the promotion and education efforts of the use of Rahmat water. The right strategy is needed to overcome the obstacles faced by the late adopter group. The strategy can be in the form of:

Q: How can we promote the use of Rahmat water in Medan City?

A: To promote the use of Rahmat water in Medan City, we can:

Increase education about the benefits of Rahmat water, involving community leaders and influencers.
Offer alternatives Rahmat water that is more friendly with traditional values, such as using variations of products with softer odors.
Build effective communication between families, to get support in adopting Rahmat water.

Q: What are the benefits of using Rahmat water?

A: The benefits of using Rahmat water include:

Safe and effective way to maintain water quality from re-contamination for three days in a closed container.
No need to boil water, saving time and energy.
No unpleasant taste or odor.
Affordable and accessible.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size.
Only explored the characteristics of innovation that affect the adoption of Rahmat water, and did not examine other factors that may influence adoption.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the use of Rahmat water?

A: Future research can explore the effectiveness of the strategies proposed in this study, and identify other factors that affect the adoption of Rahmat water. Additionally, research can be conducted to identify the role of social norms and community influence in promoting the use of Rahmat water.

Q: How can we ensure that the use of Rahmat water becomes widespread in Medan City?

A: To ensure that the use of Rahmat water becomes widespread in Medan City, we can:

Increase education and awareness about the benefits of Rahmat water.
Offer incentives and support for families to adopt Rahmat water.
Build effective communication and collaboration between families, community leaders, and influencers to promote the use of Rahmat water.