Jakarta to Limit Domestic Groundwater Use

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Jakarta to Limit Domestic Groundwater Use

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In a bid to reduce land subsidence, the city administration will soon raise the groundwater tax and require domestic consumers to pay for a minimum of 10 cubic meters of piped water per month, even if they use less than that.

Governor Fauzi Bowo said Wednesday he would raise the groundwater tax in areas with the worst land subsidence, such as North Jakarta. The new groundwater rates would be close to piped water rates.

"We will need a bylaw on this. I will discuss the issue with the mining agency," Fauzi said.

The administration had earlier announced its plan to raise the ground water tax due to massive land subsidence in the city.

The new prices range between Rp 8,800 (97 US cents) and Rp 23,300 per cubic meter.

The rates depend on consumer categories, which include non-business; small business; large business, including hotels and offices; small industry; and large industry.

"Most household customers use ground water and use piped water as their second choice for supply. As a result, land subsidences in Jakarta are worsening," said Fauzi.

North Jakarta has subsided by 1.5 meters in the last two decades, experts say.

Fauzi said he hoped the move would encourage domestic consumers to rely on tap water. The administration aims to conserve 3.1 million cubic meters of ground water to prevent further land subsidence.