Bali is on the brink of a major clean water crisis. As the Gili Islands continue a longstanding battle to secure fresh water for both local residents and tourists, the impacts of water scarcity in Bali are being felt in several areas close to major tourism resorts.
Badung Regency is home to Bali’s biggest and most popular tourist resorts, including Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu.
The Acting Regent of Badung I Ketut Suiasa spoke to the media this week about the increasing and highly concerning pressure on the freshwater sources that feed Bali’s most populous areas.
He explained that Badung currently relies on several sources of raw water. Suiasa shared the example that the water in the Estuary Dam belongs to the Bali-Penida River Basin Office (BWS), so if the Regency wants to use it, it must be approved by the teams at the Bali-Penida BWS.
“Then we still use water in Belusungan; it is in Peguyangan. There is also Penet, which is not entirely owned by Badung.”
He explained that even when the Sidan Dam is completed, the raw water produced will not only be owned by Badung Regency, but also Denpasar, Gianyar, and Tabanan.
Suiasa noted, “So this is a fundamental problem with clean water. This means that there is a [situation] that it will not be resolved in a short time in the future.”
Based on current data sets cited by Suiasa, water in Perumda Air Minum Tirta Mangutama can only flow 500 liters per second; when the Sidan Dam eventually operates, it is estimated that there will be an additional 500 liters of clean water per second.
However, according to Suiasa, this problem cannot be solved immediately due to ongoing issues that are still being resolved. In the South Badung area, where the majority of Bali’s tourism industry is concentrated, the increase in demand is not balanced with the increase in water capacity.
“South Badung is affected by its topology and geography. It will be different from areas that are flat and close to their raw water sources. So in terms of workmanship, planning, and budgeting, it will be different.” Simply put, Badung Regency does not have any excess water available.
“We are not in a water surplus, but in a minus or shortage. The proof is that we have not been able to manage water for 24 hours.”
Suasia explained that the government continues to strive to implement programs to alleviate the water crisis through a range of methods, such as installing new pipelines and developing reservoirs.
He noted that there is also an option to cooperate with water management with third parties in the private sector. Irrespective of the solutions, nothing can be resolved quickly in this systematic crisis.”
In the short term, tourists visit Bali may not notice anything different about water availability, though in the coming months accommodation providers may have no option but to implement limits on their guests’s water use, or be more mindful of water consumption throughout the hotel operation.
While there are some tourism developments and residential areas that are working to create more sustainable water use, these solutions are not yet widely implemented.
In an interview earlier this week, the General Manager of Nuanu Property Group, Evgeny Obolentsev, outlined how new property developments are integrating water conversion solutions into the new builds.
Evgeny Obolentsev explained, “[At] Ecoverse, the premium residential project that we are working on with a target completion in the Fourth Quarter of 2025. We always apply some sustainability features such as renewable energy in every unit through the use of solar panels, waste treatment systems, osmosis water filters, and Rain Water Traps.”
However, not all developments in Bali consider their environmental impact or give much thought to the long-term sustainability of the building. The negative impacts are already showing up for local communities, tourists, wildlife, and the landscape.
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Frequent flier
Monday 21st of October 2024
Meanwhile, back at the Bali Tourism Board they have come up with a brilliant new idea to promote Bali as a tourist destination and hope to gather another half million tourists per year. Reports of gridlocked traffic, smouldering rubbish heaps, illegal destruction of limestone cliffs, Russian mafia activity and polluted groundwater were quickly ignored while the decision to promote the new luxury hotel opening at Nusa Dua was discussed at length. It was agreed that the plan to import wealthy “ quality” tourists was proceeding wonderfully and a buffet lunch was well deserved by all present.
Josh
Sunday 20th of October 2024
Rainy season coming soon.
Steve b
Monday 21st of October 2024
@Josh, yep the rubbish heading south again first rains
Thommo
Sunday 20th of October 2024
Water scarcity in Bali and who would have thought and amongst a myriad of other issues that all reflect abominable governance, lack of expertise, foresight and endemic corruption. Bali is gagging in its ignorance and stupidity. Do what Vietnam is doing and engage in outside expertise to solve the problem with water storage/capture, sanitation and use. The Subak water management irrigation system developed in the 9th century is a marvel but needs help don't you think? Particularly when the system/drains/channels coming from the mountains are clogged with plastic and rubbish from locals and villagers who think it's a flowing garbage disposal system. Best worry about the next back slapping event or the next election for governance aye? Got to get the portrait done for the billboard soon and oh my cigarettes are nearly out , so many problems to deal with.
Steve b
Monday 21st of October 2024
@Thommo,true, well said
Exp
Sunday 20th of October 2024
@Thommo, "Subak as a flowing garbage disposal system"? Indeed. Here in south Denpasar a few hundred meter from the beach, the local Subak is clogged with trash all the time.
After dark I often spot shadowy dudes wearing sarong walking over and dropping their trash bag in the subak even if dry.
I have been told trash collection is free for the low income groups and I also seen laws suggesting jail sentence for throwing trash. So clearly some people here must be uninformed or give a shit.