1,000 firms fined for overusing groundwater

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 12/12/2008 10:44 AM

More than 1,000 companies in the city are facing over Rp 5 billion in fines after the Jakarta Mining Agency cracked down the misuse of groundwater.

"This is part of the agency's campaign to conserve groundwater in the city," Dian Wiwekowati, the head of groundwater monitoring unit at the agency, told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of a seminar in East Jakarta on Thursday.

The agency is running a campaign about the importance of conserving groundwater in Jakarta. The seminar was attended by 150 participants, mostly representatives from industrial firms.

"We have presented them with fines, which they have to pay as soon as possible," Dian said. "If they do not pay on time, the fine will accrue two percent interest."

It is difficult to make companies aware of the severity of groundwater shortages, Dian said, adding that fining the firms would make them use water more efficiently.

"I don't know why we have to fine them before they are willing to cooperate. Perhaps it is the way law enforcement has to be."

According to the agency's latest data, the capital suffers a water deficit of 36 million cubic meters each year, out of a total demand of 400 million cubic meters.

Some company representatives who attended the campaign event complained to the agency about the fines.

According to them, they have to use groundwater because water companies fail meet their needs.

"Of course, we would prefer to use tap water over groundwater, but the water suppliers often stop distribution without prior notice," said Hebi, an officer from a property company.

Alex from Serasi Indocement said the company's water supplier had stopped their service for three days recently without any announcement.

"That is why we have to use groundwater; we cannot rely on the water suppliers," Alex said.

Besides fining negligent companies, the mining agency is promoting the 5R Program to industries and companies. The program aims to conserve groundwater resources through reducing, reusing, recycling, recharging and recovering water.

"Our groundwater has depleted. The 5R program will help us regain groundwater resources," said Satrio Adipura from the directorate general of mineral, coal and geothermal resources.

IG Wenten, from the Bandung Institute of Technology, introduced participants at the seminar to membrane technology, which was developed in the United States a few years ago, as a way to reuse water.

"The United States has produced clean water for 20 years. We can do that, too. We have many resources here like seawater and brackish water," Wenten said, adding that the cost of recycling water was small.

Groundwater depletion due to unchecked exploitation in some parts of the city has caused serious land subsidence, increased the risk of flooding during the wet season and water shortages during the dry season.