Community-Based Adaptation Strategies in Response to Clean Water Scarcity in a Peatland Ecosystem: A Case Study of Banyuasin, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Indonesia contains approximately 36% of the world's tropical peatlands, which are crucial for carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and hydrological regulation.However, in many peatland regions, including Muara Sugihan in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, communities face chronic water quality problems due to peat soils rich in organic matter and high acidity.The local groundwater is bitter, salty, yellowish-brown, and pungent, making it unsuitable for human consumption.This qualitative case study applied cross-generational sampling in 22 villages to capture diverse perspectives on water adaptation.Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and field documentation, while secondary data from NGOs were prioritized for contextual relevance.Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and variations in adaptation strategies.All respondents deemed groundwater unfit for drinking, leading to three main adaptation strategies: (1) simple filtration using sand and charcoal, (2) diversification of water sources via rainwater harvesting and selective swamp water use, and (3) boiling rainwater before consumption.Approximately 70% of younger residents have adopted technological solutions, such as large-capacity rainwater storage, deep-well drilling, and self-managed treatment, although with limited success.Older generations relied more on traditional practices.Adaptive capacity is constrained by limited filtration technology, poor infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers.Critically, 85% of respondents reported no formal water quality monitoring, revealing a governance gap.Strengthening peatland water resilience requires expanding access to effective filtration, improving infrastructure, and instituting regular monitoring.Lessons from Muara Sugihan can inform policies for other peatland communities.