Addressing the 2023 Dry Season and El Nino Challenges at Perumdam Tirta Raharja

Climate change has become one of the biggest challenges for the water supply sector worldwide. In Indonesia, one of the significant impacts is the occurrence of a longer and more intense dry season, accompanied by extreme weather phenomena such as El Nino. Regional Public Water Company (Perumdam) Tirta Raharja at District of Bandung, as a water service provider in certain areas, faces great challenges in ensuring stable water supply and continuous service to customers, especially during the dry season and the impact of El Nino.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have become a very important solution in overcoming these challenges. Using SCADA technology, Perumdam Tirta Raharja can detect changes in customers’ water consumption patterns, monitor water levels in dams, and respond quickly to significant fluctuations in water demand during the dry season and El Nino impact period.

One of the key benefits of SCADA is its ability to provide early warning to authorities when there is a significant drop in water capacity or pressure in the distribution system. Thus, Perumdam Tirta Raharja can take preventive actions such as rearrangement of water distribution, water savings, and coordination with customers to optimize water usage.

Not only that, SCADA also enables real-time monitoring of infrastructure performance, such as pumps and distribution pipes. With accurate and fast information from SCADA, Perumdam Tirta Raharja can identify potential damage or leaks in the system quickly, reducing the risk of service disruption and speeding up the repair process.

In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in SCADA can improve prediction and analysis capabilities. By utilizing historical data and consumption patterns, the AI system can generate more accurate forecasts of future water demand, assisting Perumdam Tirta Raharja in long-term strategic planning and efficient management of water resources.

In facing the challenges of climate change and the 2023 El Nino phenomenon, the role of SCADA as an early warning tool and efficient system management is crucial. By utilizing this technology, Perumdam Tirta Raharja can provide stable and guaranteed water services to customers, even under stressful environmental conditions due to climate change. Moreover, these measures also reflect a commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting the sustainability of water resources for future generations.

SCADA di Perumdam sebagai perangkat pemantauan dan akuisisi data (Sumber: Tribun)

SCADA: Water Discharge and Pressure Alarm at Perumdam Tirta Raharja in the Face of El Nino

Climate change has drastically altered weather patterns around the world, having a significant impact on natural resources, including drinking water supply. In Bandung Regency, one of the main providers of drinking water, Perumdam Tirta Raharja, experiences increasingly complex challenges in maintaining water availability during the long dry season. One crucial indicator that shows the impact of climate change is the frequent triggering of alarm signals in SCADA, indicating a decrease in water discharge and pressure in the distribution system.

The triggering of alarm signals in SCADA during the long dry season is a clear reflection of the impact of climate change on water resources. The lack of sufficient rain reduces the flow of water in rivers and springs, resulting in a drastic decrease in the amount of water that can be withdrawn for community needs. In addition, the increase in temperature caused by climate change accelerates the evaporation of water from reservoirs and reservoirs, causing a decrease in the volume of water available.

Alarm signals in SCADA also provide early warning of changes in water consumption patterns by people during the dry season. In conditions of water shortage, people tend to use water more carefully, but close monitoring is still required to avoid wastage. Prudent and efficient water use is key in dealing with reduced water supply during the intensive dry season.

Perumdam Tirta Raharja responds to this challenge with proactive measures, such as diversifying water sources and improving distribution efficiency through the SCADA system. The real-time monitoring provided by SCADA enables faster and more efficient management of water distribution, minimizing losses caused by water supply drops. In addition, SCADA also enables quick identification of leaks in the distribution system, minimizing the waste of precious water.

The importance of adaptation to climate change also includes a community-based approach. Educating the public on the importance of wise water use, utilization of water-saving technologies in households, and awareness of the value of water as a finite resource are key in changing consumer behavior. By raising public awareness, Perumdam Tirta Raharja can reduce the burden on water supply during the difficult dry season.

In the face of frequent alarm signals in SCADA during the long dry season, Perumdam Tirta Raharja has become an example of how smart and responsive adaptation to climate change can mitigate its impacts. By continuously integrating technology, community-based approaches, and proactive measures in their water management strategy, they not only protect the current water supply but also ensure the sustainability of this precious resource for future generations.