Bali's water crisis is a complex issue, with tourism playing a significant role in depleting the island's precious resource. The traditional Balinese irrigation system, known as subak, has been in place for over a thousand years, but it is now under threat. The island's rice fields, which are not only a source of income but also vital water infrastructure, are being lost at an alarming rate. This is due to the rapid growth of tourism, which has led to a massive increase in water consumption and groundwater extraction. The situation is particularly dire in southern Bali, where development is concentrated, and aquifers are being pushed beyond sustainable levels. The IDEP Foundation, a Bali-based NGO, has declared Bali to be in water crisis, with seawater intrusion found in at least six of the island's nine districts. The issue is further complicated by the presence of illegal water businesses, which operate without proper permits and contribute to the depletion of the island's water resources. The Bali provincial government has acknowledged the problem and has implemented measures to regulate groundwater extraction, but more needs to be done to protect Bali's water supply and preserve its traditional irrigation system.
