Dawuhan Reservoir Water Volume In Madiun Shrink 35 Percent

The condition of the Dawuhan Reservoir in Plumpungrejo Village, Wonoasri District, Madiun Regency, East Java, began to shrink after several weeks of no rain as it entered the dry season. (ANTARA/Louis Rika)

The volume of Dawuhan Reservoir water in Plumpungrejo Village, Wonoasri District, Madiun Regency, East Java, has begun to shrink by 35 percent of the capacity due to low rainfall as it enters the dry season in 2023.

"The amount of water volume shrinkage is estimated to reach 2.6 million cubic meters or about 35 percent, from a normal capacity of 3.9 million cubic meters," said Dawuhan Reservoir Operations Officer Agung Wirasat in Madiun as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 7.

According to him, the shrinking of the reservoir's water volume was caused by entering the dry season accompanied by the potential for a long drought, and low rainfall.

Despite shrinking, the current volume of water can still flow the agricultural needs of local farmers. According to data, the Dawuhan Reservoir flows an area of 1,273 hectares of agricultural land in 3 sub-districts, namely Madiun, Wonoasri, and Balerejo sub-districts.

"For the size or size of the water discharge distributed, it follows the agricultural needs of a number of local villagers," he said.

Agung explained that usually the reservoir water flow will be closed in eight months, August. However, if before that month the volume of reservoir water was only 200,000 cubic meters left, then the floodgates had to be closed for the sake of dam body maintenance and avoiding damage to buildings.

As predicted, it is estimated that in the 2023 dry season the irrigation system in the Dawuhan Reservoir can run normally. However, if a long dry season occurs, then at any time the reservoir water can be closed.