The theme of World Water Day (WWD) 2022 is Groundwater: Making Invisible Visible.

WWD will put a spotlight on ground water and increase the awareness of the importance of taking care of our groundwater.

Groundwater is a vital resource that provides almost half of all drinking water worldwide, about 40% of water for irrigated agriculture and about 1/3 of water required for industry. It sustains ecosystems, maintains the baseflow of rivers and prevents land subsidence and seawater intrusion.

What does this mean to us?

Realising that groundwater is a limited natural resource and the various negative impact of the excessive use (exploitation) of groundwater, Lippo Village does not allow the building of ‘pantek ‘ wells that use groundwater. Such practice decreases the ground water level (MAT), increases the critical zone of groundwater, subsidence of the ground surface which also affects the structure of the building to the extent of its expansion and results in seawater intrusion in cities located in coastal areas.

The quality of groundwater cannot be guaranteed because in general it contains high levels of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) causing a yellowish color, odor, and taste in the water. In addition, ground water can also be contaminated with Faecal bacteria (E. Coli) which are found in feces as a cause of diarrheal diseases to cholera.

Lippo Village has a state of the art water infrastructure with its wastewater management and treatment system. However areas that use illegal wells have the potential to contaminate groundwater within the area.

TMD has been receiving complaints several times from residents about inconsistencies in water quality. This occurrence is very likely due to the mixing of the water supply in the area with groundwater in a local location that has been contaminated.

It is important for every resident to understand that the taking groundwater as an alternative water source has the potential to be detrimental both in terms of water quality and environmental sustainability. If the residents continue to do so, the quality of the water is compromised or contaminated by E.Coli because it is mixed with ground water. Let’s put a stop to illegal wells and complaints of poor water quality will be no more!

Water is Life. Use water wisely. Participate in the preservation of limited natural resources.

Happy World Water Day, 22 March 2022!