Residents in Koceak village in South Tangerang, Banten, are relying on polluted creek water for daily use because the dry season has depleted their freshwater sources.

“We use the creek water to bathe, wash dishes and clothes,” said resident Wahidin on Tuesday as reported by tempo.co, referring to the narrow, garbage-littered river that cuts through the village. 

Wahidin recalled that the drought began around late July and that the local administration had only sent water relief once. He even tried digging a new well near his house to get freshwater, but it dried up within four days. 

Ojah, 47, a fellow villager, concurred that desperation led him to use creek water.

“I fetch water from the creek up to 10 times a day depending on my needs,” Ojah said, demonstrating how many residents still rely on wells for freshwater instead of water pumps.

South Tangerang Deputy Mayor Benyamin Davnie has asked villagers to report water problems to their subdistrict heads, promising that the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency will mobilize water relief accordingly. (nor)