Bali's water crisis is a complex issue, and it's not just the rice fields that are suffering. The island's precious water resources are being siphoned off by tourism, and the consequences are dire. The subak, an ancient water-sharing cooperative, is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing tourism industry. The Bali national land agency reports a 9% decline in rice fields over the past five years, and the Transnational Institute estimates that nearly a quarter of Bali's agricultural land has been lost to tourism in the past 25 years. This is a major problem, as rice fields are not just a source of income but also a vital part of the island's water infrastructure. They slow runoff, store water, and recharge the aquifer below, but when they are sealed under concrete, these functions are permanently lost.
The impact of tourism on Bali's water supply is significant. Tourism consumes over 65% of Bali's fresh water, and groundwater extraction has pushed aquifers beyond sustainable levels in many areas. Coastal wells are turning brackish as seawater moves inland to fill the void, and the IDEP Foundation has declared Bali to be in a water crisis. The situation is so dire that some residents are now buying water by the jug, and water trucks are a common sight in areas like Uluwatu.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many water businesses in Bali operate illegally or without proper permits. A single luxury resort can use up to 50,000 litres of water per day, while the average Balinese resident gets by on just 30-50 litres. This imbalance is causing tension and jealousy among residents, who feel that their water resources are being stolen by the tourism industry.
The situation is so dire that some residents are now buying water by the jug, and water trucks are a common sight in areas like Uluwatu. The Bali provincial government has acknowledged the issue and said that any commercial groundwater extraction requires a permit, but the central government has been responsible for inspections and enforcement over the past five years. This has led to a lack of accountability and a continued decline in water resources.
The impact of tourism on Bali's water supply is significant, and it's not just the rice fields that are suffering. The island's precious water resources are being siphoned off by tourism, and the consequences are dire. The subak, an ancient water-sharing cooperative, is struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing tourism industry. The Bali national land agency reports a 9% decline in rice fields over the past five years, and the Transnational Institute estimates that nearly a quarter of Bali's agricultural land has been lost to tourism in the past 25 years. This is a major problem, as rice fields are not just a source of income but also a vital part of the island's water infrastructure. They slow runoff, store water, and recharge the aquifer below, but when they are sealed under concrete, these functions are permanently lost.
The Bali provincial government has acknowledged the issue and said that any commercial groundwater extraction requires a permit, but the central government has been responsible for inspections and enforcement over the past five years. This has led to a lack of accountability and a continued decline in water resources. The situation is so dire that some residents are now buying water by the jug, and water trucks are a common sight in areas like Uluwatu. The impact of tourism on Bali's water supply is significant, and it's not just the rice fields that are suffering. The island's precious water resources are being siphoned off by tourism, and the consequences are dire.
