Water Supply and the Role of the 10th World Water Forum

Water supply is a vital resource that sustains life and drives economic development worldwide. Understanding the sources and types of water supply is of paramount importance to ensure efficient water management and conservation.

To secure a reliable water supply, the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (Kementerian Pekerjaan Umum dan Perumahan Rakyat or Kementerian PUPR), has successfully completed the construction of 36 dams from 2015 to 2022. These dams are strategically located across various regions in Indonesia. 

In addition to their main function as water sources, these vital facilities also serve as power generators, flood controllers, and tourist attractions. These 36 dams are capable of irrigating 245,103 hectares of rice fields and providing an additional raw water supply of 17.19 cubic meters per second, fulfilling the needs of approximately 10 million people. 


Our Water Supply: Sources and Importance

Our water supply primarily comes from two main sources:

1. Surface Water

Surface water refers to water that is visible on the Earth's surface, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. It is a crucial source for drinking water, agriculture, and industrial purposes. Interestingly, 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water.

2. Groundwater

Groundwater is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers and porous rock formations. It is accessible through wells and serves as a vital source of freshwater, especially in regions facing water scarcity. According to the USGS data in 2019, the amount of groundwater is approximately 5.6 million cubic miles, making up an estimated 1.69 percent of the total water supply on Earth.


The Types of Water Supply

1. Potable Water

Potable water, also known as drinking water, is safe for human consumption without any risks of harm. It undergoes rigorous treatment processes to remove impurities and harmful pathogens.

2. Non-Potable Water

Non-potable water refers to water that is not suitable for direct human consumption due to the presence of contaminants. However, it can be used for various non-drinking purposes such as irrigations, industrial processes, and firefighting.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting includes collecting and storing rainwater for future use. This practice is environmentally friendly and can serve as an alternative source for non-potable water needs.

4. Desalinated Water

Desalinated water is produced by removing salt and other impurities from seawater, making it suitable for drinking and other uses. It is particularly valuable in regions with limited freshwater resources but abundant seawater.


The Role of the 10th World Water Forum

The 10th World Water Forum serves as a global platform for addressing critical water-related issues and finding collaborative solutions. It plays a significant role in shaping the future of water supply through the following means:

1. Encouraging Innovations Exchange

The 10th World Water Forum facilitates the sharing of best practices, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative water management strategies among nations and stakeholders.

2. Policy making and Advocacy

The 10th World Water Forum contributes to the formulation of policies and action plans that promote sustainable water supply and management practices at regional and international levels.

3. Addressing Water Challenges

The 10th World Water Forum fosters dialogue and cooperation among governments, organizations, and communities to tackle water challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts.

4. Promoting Sustainable Development

The 10th World Water Forum emphasizes the crucial role of water in achieving sustainable development goals, such as ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Join the movement for a sustainable future! Register now here for the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, 18–24 May 2024, and become part of the global effort to address water challenges and secure a better tomorrow. 

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