Bali Faces Fresh Water Crisis Amidst Tourism Boom

Bali is grappling with a fresh water crisis largely attributed to the surge in surf tourism and rapid development. The Canggu area, once a quick route to beaches, has become a focal point for this issue, highlighting the impact of urbanization on the island's water resources.

Recent statistics reveal that farmland in Canggu has decreased by 60%, while land development has surged by 69%. This transformation has disrupted the centuries-old Subak irrigation system, which has historically governed water distribution and conservation among local farmers.

Tourism has intensified the strain on water supplies, with two-thirds of Bali's fresh water consumed by the industry. Activists, including local leaders, are advocating for stricter regulations on hotel development and groundwater extraction to protect the island's vital water resources.