Analysis of Water Scarcity Using the Water Stress Index in Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

Abstract

Due to scarce water supplies and dispersed settlement, Sabu Island in Sabu Raijua Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, is a semi-arid area that has substantial issues in managing clean water. The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of water stress in five subdistricts of Sabu Island using a spatial-temporal Water Stress Index (WSI) technique. Water demand was determined using population data, piped service coverage, and livestock population, whereas water availability was investigated using the FJ Mock method in conjunction with actual spring discharge observations. The geometric technique for population growth was employed in the 2033 projections, which assumed relatively constant water availability. According to the analysis results for 2023, Hawu Mehara is safe, but Sabu Tengah and Sabu Liae sub-districts have WSI values > 1, indicating a persistent water shortage. Due to an increase in population and stagnating water supplies, it is anticipated that water stress will worsen throughout the region by 2033, with Sabu Tengah sub-district still experiencing the worst situation. The significance of area-based water management systems that take into account settlement distribution, climate, and geographic factors is highlighted by this study. The WSI model developed in this study provides a scientific basis for adaptive and sustainable water resource management policymaking.