Wells Run Dry in Majalengka, Threatening Water Crisis

The threat of a clean water crisis is looming for residents of Pilangsari Village, Jatitujuh District, Majalengka Regency. As the dry season sets in, residents’ wells are drying up, forcing them to depend on a water source located near the village gate. This source is a pump well situated approximately 1.5 kilometres from the settlement. Residents typically flock to collect water from the well in the morning between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, and again in the afternoon from 3 p.m. onwards. To avoid long queues, some residents opt to fetch water at night. Most residents bring containers such as jerry cans with capacities of 20 to 40 litres. The water collected is used for filling bathtubs, washing clothes, and cooking. For drinking water, some residents prefer to purchase refillable gallon water. “Almost every dry season we take water from this pump well,” said local resident Warkiah on Tuesday (21/7/2026). Warkiah noted that the pump well is a mainstay for residents every dry season. Not only is the water supply consistent, but its quality is also clean and clear, making it suitable for consumption. Another resident, Wawan, revealed that the local PDAM water network has actually reached their area. However, not all houses are connected to the PDAM installation. Besides the limited reach, the PDAM water supply often suffers from low flow rates. Consequently, residents still have to rely on well water. Beyond these technical issues, he added, residents’ beliefs also influence the low interest in switching to PDAM. According to him, residents consider well water to be cleaner than the raw water for PDAM, which is sourced from the Cimanuk River. “So they prefer using well water over PDAM water,” he said.