ABSTRAKPenelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengkaji kinerja pengelolaarr limbah cair, dan untuk mengamati persepsi komunitas tentang fasilitas pengolahan limbah cair (WWTP). Analisis terhadap kinerja pengelolaan WWTP Margasari menunjukkan bahwa implenrentasi program rehabilitasi sanitasi berjalan dengan baik. WWTP nampu untuk mencakup 1500 pelanggan, yang sama dengan 1/5 dari pemukiman terapung di Kecamatan Balikpapan Barat. Kenaikan retribusi yang tekait dengan pengurangan subsidi untuk operasi dan pemeliharaan WWTP perlu dilakukan tahap demi tahap dan mempertimbangkan aspirasi masyarakat. Berdasarkan analisis persepsi masyarakat tentang tingkat pelayanan WWTP umumnya mereka peduli terhadap pelayanan pengolahan limbah tersebut. Di pihak lain terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kesiapan, daya tanggap, profesionalisme, dan kepuasan pelanggan terhadap pelayanan fasilitas WWTP dan petugasnya. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa projek percontohan ini memiliki kinerja yang baik yang terkait dengan tujuan dan target serta dapat diterima oleh masyarakat. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan agar program tersebut dilanjutkan mencakup perluasan area. Pengelolaan yang intensif untuk meningkatkan kinerja WWTP serta pelayanannya harus dilakukan terus-menerus yang mencakup fasilitas pendukung, kesejahteraan pegawai, dan peningkatan partisipasi masyarakat dan sektor swasta. ABSTRACTThis research was aimed to assess the performance of the wastewater management, and to observe the community perception about WWTP (wastewater treatment plant) facility. The analysis towards WWTP Margasari management performance shows that the implementation of the sanitation rehabilitation program has been operating well. The WWTP is able to cover 1500 costumers, which equal one fifth part of floating settlement area in Kecamatan Balikpapan Barat. Increasing retribution charge in accordance with subsidies reduction for WWTP operation and maintenance, needs to be done step by step and considers the community aspiration. According to the analysis of community perception about WWTP facility level of service, generally they concern about wastewater treatment and satisfy with its service. On the other hand, there are significant relationship among readiness, responsiveness, professionalism, and customer satisfaction towards the WWTP clerks and facilities services. It can be concluded that the pilot project performs well in accordance with its goal and target, and accepted by the community. This research recommends that the program should be continued covering the extent area. Intensive management to increase WWTP performance and its service should be done continuously, such as supporting facilities, employees wealth, and increasing community and private sector participation.