Nusa Penida Residents Spend IDR 2.5 Million on Clean Water Each Month
Learn about how little access residents of Nusa Penida have to clean water and the costs associated with it each month.
Written by Rika Andini
Learn about how little access residents of Nusa Penida have to clean water and the costs associated with it each month.
Written by Rika Andini
Nusa Penida is located in the southeast of Bali, Indonesia, and separated by the Badung Strait, Nusa Penida is a hidden gem that beckons to be discovered. From the moment you set foot on this picturesque island, you are instantly mesmerized by its stunning natural beauty and abundant tourist attractions. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a dreamland, where every corner is a postcard-worthy scene waiting to be admired.
One of the most enchanting aspects of Nusa Penida is its magnificent landscapes. The rugged cliffs that adorn the coastline are simply awe-inspiring. As you stand at the edge of these majestic cliffs and gaze out into the vast expanse of the ocean, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and exhilaration.
The sheer power of the crashing waves against the rocks below is truly a sight to behold. And as if that wasn’t enough, Nusa Penida also boasts pristine beaches that rival those found in paradise. The soft white sand, gently caressed by the turquoise waters, invites you to kick off your shoes and bask in the warmth of the sun. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility wash over you as you soak in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Despite its allure as a tourist paradise, Nusa Penida faces its share of challenges, including access to essential resources like clean water. This is one of the most pressing challenges faced by the residents of Nusa Penida.
The scarcity of clean water on the island is a cause for concern, especially considering that Nusa Penida residents are spending IDR 2.5 million on clean water each month. This staggering amount is a direct result of the increasing number of tourists visiting the island each year. As more and more people flock to Nusa Penida to experience its natural wonders, the demand for water rises exponentially.
According to I Ketut Juliarta, a member of the Bali Provincial DPRD representing the Electoral District (Dapil) of Klungkung, residents in Klumpu Village have raised concerns about the high cost of purchasing clean water. They reported spending IDR 100,000 per tank of water, and on average, they used up three tanks within three days. This means that in a month, they spend around IDR 1 million on water alone.
The limited access to clean water not only affects the residents but also poses a threat to the fragile ecosystem of Nusa Penida. With the growing number of tourists, the island’s resources are being stretched thin. The increased demand for water puts additional pressure on the already limited supply, leading to environmental degradation and potentially irreversible damage.
Despite the breathtaking beauty of Nusa Penida, there exists a harsh reality where a considerable segment of the population grapples with a severe water crisis on a daily basis. The underlying factors contributing to Nusa Penida’s limited access to clean water include:
Nusa Penida is an arid area with limited access to groundwater due to its unique geological characteristics. The island’s topography consists of steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and rugged terrain, making it difficult to drill for water. Moreover, the island’s location in the middle of the ocean makes it challenging to transport water from external sources. As a result, the locals rely heavily on rainwater harvesting to meet their daily needs.
Nusa Penida has seen rapid population growth in the past decade, which has further exacerbated the water crisis. With more people needing water, the demand has increased, and the available supply has decreased. Additionally, the local government has failed to develop adequate infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the population. Many existing wells and water supply systems are outdated, and there is a lack of funding to develop new systems or improve existing ones.
The absence of proper water management practices is another significant reason for Nusa Penida’s water crisis. The locals rely on traditional methods of water collection that are inefficient, such as open-air containers that allow for water evaporation, contamination, and breeding of mosquitoes. Furthermore, the pollution of groundwater sources due to agricultural activities and tourism waste further exacerbates the problem. There is also a lack of awareness among the locals about sustainable water management practices.
The effects of climate change are also making it difficult for Nusa Penida’s water scenario. Climate change is causing erratic rainfall patterns, leading to either a surplus or a shortage of water. Additionally, rising temperatures increase the rate of evaporation and further reduce the available water supply. These conditions are beyond the control of the locals and pose a significant threat to the island’s water resources.
The high cost of water in Nusa Penida has a profound impact on the residents of the island. With the necessity to spend IDR 2.5 million per month on clean water, many households face significant financial burdens.
The high cost of water in Nusa Penida is a critical issue that affects households, businesses, and industries. In remote villages and marginalized communities, access to alternative water sources is scarce, leading to heavy reliance on expensive water purchases. This situation puts a strain on the already limited resources of families, who struggle to make ends meet and secure other essential needs like food, healthcare, and education.
For businesses and industries, high water costs increase their operational expenses, reducing their ability to invest in innovation and expansion. This challenge creates barriers to economic growth and development on the island, threatening the livelihoods of the population. As a result, the island may miss out on opportunities for tourism, agricultural investments, and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, the lack of clean and affordable water can lead to waterborne diseases and health issues. These problems obstruct the overall well-being of the islanders and may create long-term public health challenges. The high cost of water and its impact on the community’s financial stability exacerbate these challenges.
On a broader level, the lack of access to clean water is also having an impact on the environment. As people are forced to rely on bottled water, this is creating a significant amount of plastic waste. This waste can be harmful to wildlife and can also contribute to the pollution of the island’s beaches and waterways.
One of the strategies being implemented is the improvement of clean water services through the Regional Public Company (Perumda) Panca Mahottama Klungkung. This initiative aims to enhance the water debt of the PDAM, ensuring a more reliable and efficient water supply for the people. This means that residents will no longer have to worry about water shortages or contaminated water, as they will have access to clean and safe water at all times. This is a major step forward in resolving the water crisis and I am thrilled to see the positive impact it will have on the lives of the people in Nusa Penida.
Another exciting initiative that is being proposed to tackle the water crisis is sea water distillation. This strategy has already been implemented in Nusa Lembongan and has shown great promise. The government plans to replicate this success in Nusa Penida by building a seawater distillery using the Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) system. This system is capable of converting seawater into clean and drinkable water, providing a sustainable solution to the water crisis. I cannot express my excitement enough about this project, as it holds incredible potential to change the lives of the residents in Nusa Penida.
In Jungut Batu Village, a seawater distillery using the SWRO system has already been built, showcasing the effectiveness and efficiency of this technology. It is truly remarkable to see how innovation and advancements in technology can be utilized to address such pressing issues as the water crisis. With this distillery in place, the residents of Jungut Batu Village no longer have to rely on unreliable water sources or worry about water shortages. They now have access to clean and safe water, thanks to the government's initiatives. Despite the presence of cubangs (rainwater storage tanks) used to store water during the rainy season, the water problem in Nusa Penida remains severe. According to residents like I Ketut Merta, the head of Sampang Hamlet in Bunga Mekar Village, the stored rain water has already been depleted due to daily needs such as bathing, washing, cooking, and even providing water for livestock. As a result, they have to resort to purchasing water from collectors, which can be quite costly. For instance, Merta bought water for IDR 175,000 per tank or 1,000 liters this month. Although there are PDAM water connections to 75 households in the area, the water supply from the government is inconsistent and insufficient. At first, the water flow was steady, but currently, it is limited to just once a month, and even then, residents are only able to collect a minimal amount, like one bucket. Merta mentioned that the water is still being processed from the source, indicating ongoing issues with water distribution and accessibility. This situation highlights the urgency of finding innovative solutions to increase access to clean and reliable water for the residents of Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida, a small island in Indonesia, has faced water scarcity for a long time. However, a game-changing collaboration between "Air Minum Bersih" and "Carocell Solar Water" is now offering sustainable solutions.
Carocell Solar Water is an advanced technology capable of purifying water from any source, including seawater and contaminated water. This means that the people of Nusa Penida can finally access safe, high-quality drinking water without worrying about its origin. Moreover, the technology incorporates rainwater harvesting, ensuring that no water goes to waste.
The impact of this partnership cannot be overstated. With an estimated monthly expenditure of 2.5 million rupiahs on water, finding a sustainable solution is crucial. Fortunately, the solar-powered water solutions provided by Carocell Solar Water not only meet the immediate need for clean water but also offer a long-term, eco-friendly alternative.
Carocell’s revolutionary Solar Water Powered Desalination Technology uses solar energy to heat water, eliminating bacteria and pathogens, making it safe for consumption. The beauty of Carocell lies in its simplicity – it requires no moving parts or electronics, relying solely on the sun’s power. This makes it a robust and easy-to-maintain solution with minimal operating costs.
The use of solar power in this initiative is particularly exciting. Nusa Penida has abundant sunlight, making it an ideal location to power this water purification technology. By harnessing the sun’s energy, the island can overcome its water challenges while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing its carbon footprint. It’s a win-win situation for both the people of Nusa Penida and the environment.
One notable success story of Carocell Solar Water can be found in a remote village in a drought-prone region in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Before the implementation of Carocell’s solar-powered water purification technology, the villagers faced constant water scarcity and relied on distant and unreliable water sources, exposing them to frequent waterborne diseases due to contaminated water consumption.
However, with the introduction of Carocell Solar Water, the village experienced a remarkable transformation. The solar-powered water purification system efficiently harnesses the abundant sunlight available in the area to produce clean and safe drinking water from available water sources, including groundwater and rainwater. As a result, the villagers now have access to a continuous supply of high-quality drinking water, significantly improving their health and overall quality of life.
With Carocell Solar Water, the people of Nusa Penida no longer need to pay exorbitant amounts for clean water. This innovative technology provides access to safe and high-quality drinking water from various sources, including seawater and groundwater, without the worry of waterborne diseases. The simplicity and efficiency of Carocell’s solar-powered desalination process make it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, reducing the financial burden on the residents.
However, despite this significant improvement, there are still communities in Nusa Penida that could benefit from additional support. By joining hands with Air Minum Bersih, we can collectively make a difference and ensure that all residents have access to clean water.
Your donation can help implement Carocell Solar Water systems in underserved areas, bringing clean water to those who need it most. Together, we can create a sustainable and bright future for Nusa Penida, where everyone can enjoy the essential resource of clean water without financial hardship.
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