REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Brine water from the northern coastal area of Jakarta has seeped into the National Monument area, Central Jakarta, affecting mineral water quality here, according to Secretary General of the National Disaster Expert Association Lilik Kurniawan.

"We have found that brine has seeped into the National Monument area. Seawater seeped through small cavities below the ground surface and has reduced the quality of mineral water," Lilik stated on Friday.

The exploitation of groundwater by several communities in Jakarta has also accelerated the brine seepage. The lack of water reservoirs in Jakarta has aggravated groundwater exploitation and has affected the water quality particularly in the northern area.

"There are no government projects or awareness among the people about creating mass reservoirs. Jakarta does not have surface water supply. The landscape of Jakarta is such that it needs more reservoirs based on 'biopores' system," Lilik noted.

He added that every house in Jakarta must have one 'biopores' reservoir system and a soil field for water permeation. According to Lilik, the people's dependence on underground water is high in Jakarta. They do not "refill" the source and the surface water is discarded into the sea.

Lilik observed that areas lacking water reservoirs can trigger floods during rainy seasons because water cannot seep into the ground.

"Unplanned infrastructure development and the absence of ample water reservoirs have caused an imbalance in water cycle," Lilik added.

The expert hoped the new government would take up appropriate planning and include the people while carrying out remedial measures to deal with this environmental issue.

"The government must have an appropriate plan to deal with water and sewerage issues. The people should not only exploit water but also conserve clean water," Lilik pointed out.

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