BPBD Maps Cirebon Regions Threatened by Clean Water Crisis

The Cirebon Regency Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has mapped a number of areas where water availability has declined. The agency’s acting head, Syamsul Huda, explained that the drop in water reserves is due to the lack of rainfall in recent weeks. One of the affected locations is Situ Patok in Mundu District, where water supplies are estimated to only meet the community’s needs for the next two months if no rain falls. This situation is a serious concern as Situ Patok is a crucial water source for the surrounding area. Besides Situ Patok, BPBD Cirebon also recorded declining water levels in four other districts: Greged, Sedong, Klangenan, and Gempol, where residents’ wells are running low. As an anticipatory measure, BPBD has coordinated with the regional water utility company Perumda Air Minum Tirta Jati and several private entities to ensure clean water distribution continues for affected residents. Distribution is now being prioritised for the areas in greatest need. BPBD Cirebon has also prepared supporting facilities, including 10 water tanks—four with a capacity of 100 litres and six with a capacity of 2,000 litres—as well as a 4,000-litre tanker truck on standby to deliver clean water to drought-stricken regions. For long-term mitigation, deep artesian well pumps in Cupang, Walahar, Beber, Greged, and Sedong have been activated and are reported to be functioning normally, expected to help sustain the community’s clean water needs throughout the dry season. The peak of the drought is forecast for the end of August, and the agency remains on high alert.