<![CDATA[The Sago River flows through densely settled areas of Pekanbaru City, causing it vulnerable to water quality degradation induced by domestic waste and economic activities. This study estimates the Sago River's water quality and its pollution load to support practical water quality management. The study was conducted from May to October 2024, using three purposively selected area groups to represent land-use factors and possible sources of water quality degradation. At separately location, we measured temperature and critical water quality parameters: TSS, pH, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, phosphate, and fecal coliform. Water quality levels were selected utilizing the Pollution Index method in accordance with Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021, while pollution loads were calculated by multiplying river discharge by the contribution of each parameter. The results indicate Pollution Index values ranging from 5.42 to 7.23, classifying all stations as "moderately polluted." DO, BOD, COD, and fecal coliform surpassed Class III quality criteria, showing a predominance of organic pollution from household waste in residential areas and commercial activities. The most elevated increase in pollution load was recorded for COD at Station III (26.50 mg/second), while the lower load was recorded for nitrate at Station I (0.006 mg/second). This study shows that combining water quality status assessments with pollution load analysis provides more comprehensive information regarding the magnitude of pollutant stress on urban rivers. These results can provide a scientific basis for forming pollution management systems, enhancing home wastewater management, and keeping the water quality of the Sago River within the Siak River Basin.]]>
