Bali's water crisis threatens local culture, UNESCO sites
The tropical tourist destination of Bali, Indonesia, is facing a worsening water crisis from tourism development, population growth and water mismanagement
JATILUWIH, Indonesia (AP) — Far from Bali's beaches and hotels, farmer I Ketut Jata stands on a mountainside, staring at terraced land that is too dry to grow the rice his family has long relied on for food and income.
“It is no longer possible to work in the fields as a farmer," he says.
Bali's water crisis is worsening from tourism development, population growth and water mismanagement, experts and environmental groups warn. Water shortages already are affecting UNESCO sites, wells, food production and Balinese culture and experts say the situation will deteriorate further if existing water control policies are not enforced across the island.
A tropical, volcanic island in the center of Indonesia's archipelago, Bali relies on water from three main sources: crater lakes, rivers and shallow groundwater. A unique traditional irrigation system, called the “subak,” distributes water through a network of canals, dams and tunnels.
