ANALYSIS OF WATER SCARCITY INDEX IN WET CLIMATE AREAS: A CASE STUDY IN SOUTH SINJAI DISTRICT

Abstract

Water availability in humid regions is often considered abundant due to high rainfall. However, uneven water distribution can lead to water shortages, especially when meeting domestic and agricultural demands. This study aims to analyze the level of water scarcity in South Sinjai District. The data included rainfall, soil characteristics, population numbers, and domestic and agricultural water demands. Water availability and its scarcity were analyzed using the water balance and Water Scarcity Index (WSI) approach. The study showed that the four villages studied experienced water availability and demand variations. Aska and Talle villages have higher water availability than Palae and Bulukamase villages. However, the increased water demand due to intensive planting patterns and population growth has caused some villages to be near critical to very critical. If a two- to three-season planting pattern is applied without good water resource management, the WSI can exceed 100%, signaling a very critical condition. Therefore, more efficient water management strategies are needed, including optimizing irrigation infrastructure, using water storage technologies, and implementing climate-based adaptive policies to reduce pressure on water resources.