Jakarta struggles as climate change disrupts water balance

JAKARTANS – especially those living in areas unreached by the city’s pipe network – are still struggling to access clean potable water as scientists predict that climate change will disrupt water balance and a harsher El Nino can potentially spell problems for the city’s water resources.

With Jakarta’s pipe network managed by the city-owned PAM Jaya only covering 64% of the city, several areas have to contend with using groundwater and even buy water delivered in blue plastic barrels.