Batam running short of water

BATAM, Riau Islands: A local water company warned that drought might hit the industrial island of Batam, as water catchment areas were shrinking, giving way to business complexes.

Director of water company PT Adhya Tirta Batam Piter Robin said on Monday that the water level in several reservoirs had dropped despite continued rainfall.

"The rain water does not flow into the reservoirs because forests have been felled to give way for business complexes," he said.

Consequently, Adhya Tirta was unable to increase its supply to meet the rising demand for water, Piter explained.

Batam's population is growing fast, as migrants flock to the industrial island, lured by its fast-expanding economy.

For the past few days, however, Adhya Tirta has been unable to meet the water demand in several areas on the island. As a result, its customers had to purchase bottled water or rely on their own water tanks to meet their needs. -- Antara