The short, simple, and definitive answer is no, you should not drink the tap water in Bali. While municipal water may be treated at its source, the aging pipe infrastructure can introduce contaminants before it reaches your tap. This guide will explain why Bali tap water isn’t safe and walk you through all the safe water alternatives for a healthy trip.
Why Isn’t Bali’s Tap Water Safe for Drinking?
Understanding the “why” helps reinforce the importance of this rule. The issue with Bali water quality isn’t necessarily the source, but the journey to your faucet.
The “Last Mile” Problem: Aging Infrastructure
This is known as the ‘last mile’ problem. Even if the water is treated at a central plant, its journey to your tap is where issues arise. The tropical climate, ground shifts, and constant construction can create small cracks or leaks in this aging network. These breaches allow untreated groundwater, soil, and surface runoff to contaminate the clean water before it ever reaches your faucet.
The Risk of Contaminants
This potential for contamination means the water from the tap can contain harmful microorganisms your body isn’t accustomed to. The primary risks for travelers are bacteriological and parasitic. This includes Bacteria like E. coli and Parasites such as Giardia, both of which are common causes of traveler’s diarrhea.
Your Safe Water Checklist for a Worry-Free Bali Trip
So, is water in Bali drinkable if not from the tap? Yes, absolutely, if you adopt these simple habits into your daily routine.
Rule 1: Stick to Sealed, Bottled Water (AMDK)
This is your safest and most reliable option because it’s sourced, treated, and sealed in a controlled factory environment, eliminating the ‘last mile’ risk entirely. Stick to well-known brands like Aqua for guaranteed quality.
Rule 2: Use Bottled Water for Brushing Your Teeth
This is a key tip that many travelers forget. It only takes a small amount of contaminated water to transfer Bacteria into your system through your gums or accidental swallowing. Keep a bottle of drinking water in your bathroom as a reminder to avoid this simple but common mistake.
Rule 3: Showering and Washing Hands is Safe
Yes, showering in Bali water and washing your hands is generally safe as your skin is an effective barrier against these microbes. The risk comes from ingestion, so simply avoid getting water in your mouth or eyes while showering. For adults, this is usually easy to manage.
Rule 4: Understanding Water Gallons (“Galon”)
If you’re staying in a villa or long-term rental, you’ll see large, 19-liter blue water gallon jugs (Galon) on a dispenser. This is the standard for safe, everyday drinking water in homes and businesses across Indonesia. These gallons are delivered sealed from reputable companies, making them a trustworthy source for drinking, cooking, and making coffee.
Rule 5: Be Mindful of Ice and Washed Produce
This same logic applies to ice and food. Ice is only safe if made from purified water, a topic we explain in the truth about ice in Bali. Similarly, raw foods like fruits and salads can be risky if washed with tap water. For a more detailed breakdown, you can review our guide to enjoying fruits and salads safely.
What About Boiling the Tap Water?
Technically, boiling tap water vigorously for at least one full minute will kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses, making it biologically safe to drink. However, for most travelers, this is an inconvenient extra step that also doesn’t remove potential chemical contaminants or improve the taste. Given the low cost and wide availability of bottled water, it remains the most practical and recommended choice.
The golden rule is simple: “When in doubt, use bottled water.” Following these water safety rules is a huge step in prevention. To learn how this fits into a larger strategy, read our Ultimate Guide to Bali Belly.
Stay Healthy, Stay Informed.
Unicare Clinic is committed to providing clear, trustworthy health information for your time in Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions about Water Safety in Bali
So to be clear, I can’t use tap water to make coffee or tea?
Correct, not directly from the tap. You must boil the tap water vigorously for at least one full minute first to make it biologically safe before using it for coffee or tea.
What about water filters like Lifestraw or Brita?
High-quality microbiological water filters can effectively remove bacteria and parasites. However, for short-term travelers, the certainty and convenience of sealed bottled water is the simplest and most recommended approach.
How should I wash fruits and vegetables?
You should always wash produce with safe water. The safest method is to use bottled water. Alternatively, you can use tap water that has a few drops of a food-grade vegetable wash added to it, followed by a final rinse with bottled water.
What do the locals do? Do they drink the tap water?
No, the vast majority of local residents and expatriates in Bali do not drink tap water. The standard for household drinking water is the large, blue 19-liter water dispensers (“galon”).
My hotel says their tap water is filtered and drinkable. Can I trust them?
This is possible in some high-end, reputable hotels that have invested in a comprehensive, modern, on-site filtration system. However, unless you are certain of the quality of their system and their maintenance schedule, the default safe practice is still to stick with bottled water.
What is the most trusted brand of bottled water in Bali?
The most ubiquitous and trusted brand across Indonesia is Aqua. You will find it in every shop, restaurant, and hotel, and it is always a safe choice.
I think I accidentally swallowed some tap water. What should I do?
Don’t panic. A small, accidental amount may not cause any issues. Simply monitor yourself for the next 24-48 hours for any symptoms of Bali Belly, such as diarrhea or stomach cramps, and stay well-hydrated with bottled water.
Is the water situation the same all over Bali (e.g., Ubud vs. Nusa Dua)?
Yes, the general rule not to drink tap water in Bali applies to the entire island. The quality of the pipe infrastructure is inconsistent everywhere, so the same precautions should be taken whether you are in a city, a village, or at the beach.
How can I tell if a restaurant is using safe water for cooking?
Reputable restaurants that cater to tourists are very aware of this issue and will always use safe, purified water (from gallons or their own filtration systems) for all cooking processes, including making soups or boiling pasta.
Besides bacteria, are there other contaminants in the tap water?
Water quality can vary greatly depending on the area and the condition of the pipes. While bacteriological contamination is the primary risk for travelers, tap water can also sometimes contain heavy metals or other chemical residues. Sticking to certified bottled water eliminates all of these uncertainties.
