Dry Wells Force Gunungkidul Villagers to Rely on Murky Spring Water for Drinking

Residents of Duwet hamlet in Purwodadi, Tepus, Gunungkidul, are struggling with a severe water crisis as the dry season causes their wells to run dry. They are forced to make multiple daily trips to the Kali Wonosari spring to collect water, which appears murky and must be left to settle until it becomes clear enough for drinking and cooking. The area is not served by the regional water company (PDAM), and purchasing water by the tanker involves a week-long waiting list.

One resident, Wahyu (34), said he makes three to four trips to the spring each day, carrying two 30-litre jerrycans for his household’s daily needs. He noted that this practice only occurs during the dry season when wells are empty, a tradition that dates back to his grandparents’ time. ‘It is better than buying a tank of water for Rp 150,000,’ he stated.

Another villager, Wiwin (30), reported making four trips a day with two jerrycans and a gallon container, typically between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and again in the afternoon. She uses the water for all purposes, as her well is dry and there is no piped water supply. During the rainy season, she relies on a storage tank to collect rainwater. She also highlighted the logistical and financial burden of buying water, which requires a two-week wait and costs Rp 150,000 per 5,000-litre tanker.

Ngatino (45), another resident, said he has purchased tanker water twice but reserves it only for washing clothes and bathing, preferring the spring water for cooking and drinking. He claimed the spring water is of better quality than the purchased water, which he described as chalky. Ngatino added that a borehole well provided as aid by the Ministry of Defence had stopped functioning, despite initially producing a good flow. He expressed hope that PDAM water services would eventually reach their hamlet.