Face Climate Change, Residents Urged to Save Water Use

SULAWESI TENGAH - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, appeals to the public to be more wise in using clean water as a step to face the impact of climate change, including the threat of El Nino.

Acting Head of the Parigi Moutong BPBD Moh Rivai said water savings at the household level could help maintain the availability of groundwater for long-term needs.

"Climate change certainly has an impact on life, so steps to save water use at home provide good benefits for the availability of groundwater for long-term use," said Moh Rivai when contacted from Palu, Sunday.

According to him, the threat of El Nino needs to be anticipated through the efficient use of water. Savings are not only needed for daily needs at home, but also in agricultural activities that require water supply.

One of the other efforts that can be carried out by the community is to make a soakaway. This facility can help collect and put rainwater into the ground so as to reduce the risk of flooding and maintain groundwater reserves.

"Such a simple way is part of mitigating the challenges of climate change, even though not all areas in Parigi Moutong are experiencing difficulties with clean water," he said.

Rivai said that the BPBD Parigi Moutong is currently mapping areas that have a high level of vulnerability to potential clean water crises as an impact of climate change.

Residential areas located in hilly and mountain slopes are considered to have higher vulnerability, especially when the condition of forest vegetation cover is already open.

"Groundwater has limits and can be drastically reduced if users are not regulated or allowed to continue to flow. Therefore, the wisdom of using clean water sources is very important. If households use groundwater, they should use water tanks or other storage containers," said Rivai.

To strengthen anticipation efforts, the Parigi Moutong Regency Government is scheduled to hold a cross-sector meeting on Monday (10/8/2026). The meeting will discuss concrete steps in dealing with potential hydrometeorological disasters related to climate change.

Rivai said the impact of the current drought has been felt by residents of Sausu Taliabo Village, Sausu District. This condition causes some people to experience limited clean water because the residents' water sources are starting to dry up.

"Currently, the clean water crisis is still affecting Sausu Taliabo Village, Sausu District. The hydrometeorological phenomenon has an impact on about 100 families (KK) in the village because the residents' wells are experiencing drought," he said.