PONTIANAK, thekabarnews.com—Pontianak’s owned tap water company (PDAM) Tirta Khatulistiwa has rejected a viral WhatsApp message. The message claims that it will halt or ration water distribution because saltwater intrusion has corroded its iron pipes.

PDAM Tirta Khatulistiwa Director Abdullah said on Saturday, August 29, that the message contained false information. He added that it had caused unnecessary concern among customers.

“The WhatsApp chain message is false, particularly the claim that it will halt water distribution. I urge residents to remain calm and not panic because PDAM is continuing its efforts to provide the best possible service to customers,” Abdullah said, as quoted by Pontianak Post.

The utility said its distribution network remained operational. It had not announced a citywide shutdown or a formal rotating-supply schedule when this article was prepared.

Although the viral claim was false, Pontianak continues to face water-quality pressure during the dry season.

Lower flow in the Kapuas River allows seawater to travel farther upstream. This raises the salinity of raw water used by treatment plants.

Earlier reports indicated that customers in parts of the city had complained about salty-tasting water.

PDAM Tirta Khatulistiwa previously acknowledged that saltwater intrusion could affect raw-water quality, particularly at the Nipah Kuning treatment facility.

The utility is responding by monitoring salinity levels more frequently and adjusting raw-water intake to tidal conditions.

It is also optimizing its treatment facilities. Additionally, it is blending water with sources that contain less salt and modifying production according to raw-water quality.

Freshwater transfers from the Penepat reservoir have also faced a separate infrastructure constraint.

Reports on August 27 said repairs were underway along the approximately 30-kilometer pipeline serving the Imam Bonjol installation. The utility has not linked that work to the viral allegation that saltwater corroded its iron pipes.

Tirta Khatulistiwa has prepared water collection points for residents who need freshwater and can bring their containers. It has also used tanker trucks to support priority facilities and affected areas when necessary.

Abdullah urged customers to rely on announcements from official channels.

“I ask residents not to trust information that has not been confirmed,” he said.

Residents should use water carefully and maintain a reasonable emergency supply at home.

If tap water tastes unusually salty, customers should use a verified potable-water source for drinking and cooking. Meanwhile, they should wait for updated guidance.

Customers can obtain official information through the Tirta Khatulistiwa website, call 0561-769999, or contact its WhatsApp service at 0811-567-221.