Grobogan residents struggle for water amid long drought

A severe three-month drought has left residents of Dusun Ngedat, Desa Ketro, in Grobogan, Central Java, in a desperate search for water. The prolonged dry season has caused local rivers to dry up, forcing the community to resort to digging small wells, known as 'belik,' in the riverbeds to find any remaining water.

This water from the 'belik' is being used for essential activities such as washing, bathing, and providing drinking water for livestock. It also supports local economic activities, including the operation of small laundry businesses that rely on a consistent water supply. The ingenuity of the residents in creating these makeshift water sources underscores the severity of the water scarcity they face.

Despite these efforts, the water accessed from the wells is not sufficient for all daily needs. For drinking water and other essential household uses, residents are compelled to purchase water, adding a significant financial burden to their already challenging situation. The situation highlights the critical impact of the extended dry season on the daily lives and livelihoods of the community in Grobogan.