Bali Water Safety: What to Know About Drinking, Brushing & Staying Healthy

Can You Drink the Water in Bali?

No, Bali tap water is not safe to drink.

If you’re visiting Bali from countries like Australia, the US, or the UK, where tap water is drinkable, this might come as a surprise. But in Bali, even locals avoid drinking from the tap.

Tap water in Bali is often untreated or only partially filtered. It may carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause digestive issues or more serious illnesses. While showering or washing with it is generally safe, drinking tap water—even in small amounts—is a health risk.

To stay hydrated, always choose bottled, boiled, or filtered water. Most hotels, villas, and restaurants provide clean drinking water or large refillable containers. You can also find water refill stations around the island to reduce plastic waste.

Why Is Bali Tap Water Unsafe?

Infrastructure and Contamination Risks

Bali’s water distribution system faces a few fundamental challenges:

• Leaky underground pipes can allow contaminants to enter the supply
  
• In many areas, water undergoes minimal treatment, lacking full chemical disinfection or sedimentation processes
  
• Water is often sourced from rivers, lakes, or shallow wells, which are prone to surface runoff, especially during heavy rains
  

As a result, even crystal-clear tap water can contain:

• Bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella
  
• Viruses including Hepatitis A or Norovirus
  
• Parasites that can trigger acute stomach issues
  
• In rare cases, heavy metals leached from plumbing or well systems
  

During the rainy season, these risks can increase due to flooding and waterlogged infrastructure.

Is Bali Water Safe for Brushing Teeth, Ice, and Showers?

Brushing Teeth

While some expats brush with tap water and never fall ill, many short-term visitors report stomach issues even without swallowing. If you have a sensitive gut or limited time on the island, it’s safer to use bottled or boiled water for oral hygiene.

Even a few accidental drops can be enough to trigger digestive upset, especially if you’re not used to Bali’s microbial environment. Learn more about this in our guide to Bali Belly, a common issue among first-time visitors.

Ice in Drinks

Ice is typically safe if it’s served at restaurants, resorts, or cafés, which are legally required to use purified water sources. Commercial ice in Bali is usually factory-made and meets hygiene standards.

That said, avoid ice from street vendors or unlicensed stalls, especially in drinks stored in open coolers.

Showering and General Hygiene

Bali tap water is fine for showering, hand-washing, and laundry, as long as you don’t ingest it. Some travelers with sensitive skin may experience mild dryness due to mineral content, but it’s not harmful.

Washing Fruits and Vegetables

If you’re cooking or preparing your own meals, be cautious. Rinsing produce with tap water can transfer bacteria directly to food. Instead:

• Rinse with boiled, filtered, or bottled water
  
• Or opt for fruits you can peel, like bananas, mangos, or oranges

Bali Belly and Water-Related Illnesses

What Is Bali Belly?

Bali Belly is the informal name for traveler’s diarrhea—an unpleasant but common experience among visitors to the island. Symptoms typically include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, usually caused by unfamiliar bacteria entering the digestive system.

While food is often blamed, contaminated water is one of the most frequent triggers. This includes not just drinking from the tap, but also:

• Brushing teeth with unboiled water
  
• Consuming food washed in tap water
  
• Swallowing water while showering or swimming
  
• Ice from non-commercial sources
  

If you’re visiting for the first time, read our full guide to Bali Belly for prevention tips, symptoms, and quick recovery options.

Is It Just the Water?

Not always. Bali Belly can also result from:

• Poor food hygiene
  
• Spoiled ingredients in street food
  
• Unwashed hands or surfaces
  

Still, being cautious with your water sources is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid it.

Safe Drinking Options in Bali

Bottled Water: Your Go-To Choice

Bottled water is widely available and safe to drink throughout Bali. Popular and trusted brands include:

• Aqua (most widely distributed)
  
• Le Minerale
  
• Equil
  
• Cleo
  

Just make sure the seal is intact before drinking. While most bottled water is safe, counterfeit or reused bottles can sometimes circulate in small shops, especially in rural areas.

Boiled Water: Good for Short Stays

Boiling water for at least one minute kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It’s a safe and affordable option if you’re staying in a villa or guesthouse with access to a stove or electric kettle.

However, boiling does not remove heavy metals or chemical pollutants. For long-term stays, consider switching to a filtration solution.

Filtered Water: The Eco-Conscious Alternative

If you’re trying to cut down on plastic use, filtered water is your best bet. Bali has seen a rise in:

• Water refill stations in cafés and hotels
  
• Use of portable water filters (LifeStraw, Grayl)
  
• In-villa dispensers of filtered gallons
  

Some travelers now carry filter bottles to stay hydrated without relying on single-use plastics—especially helpful if you’re exploring rural or off-grid areas.

How Locals Handle Water in Bali

Gallon Jugs and Dispensers

Most local households in Bali don’t rely on tap water either. Instead, they use large water gallon jugs—typically 19-liter bottles delivered weekly. These jugs are used for:

• Drinking
  
• Cooking
  
• Making tea and coffee
  
• Brushing teeth
  

You’ll see these dispensers in nearly every home, café, and co-working space.

Boiling and Filtering

In addition to bottled gallons, many locals boil water for tasks like brushing teeth, making rice, or preparing formula for children. Some families also install under-sink filters or countertop filtration systems, especially in areas where water quality is inconsistent.

This blend of modern filtration and traditional boiling reflects a water culture built around caution, routine, and resourcefulness.

Tips for Families and Sensitive Travelers

Water Habits for Kids and Vulnerable Stomachs

If you’re traveling with children or have a sensitive digestive system, it’s wise to be extra careful with water exposure. Even small amounts of untreated water, through brushing, fruit rinsing, or accidental sips, can lead to discomfort or illness.

Tips for safer water use with kids:

• Use bottled or boiled water for brushing teeth and cleaning baby bottles
  
• Avoid giving children ice from roadside vendors
  
• Keep hand sanitizers or travel wipes available for cleaning hands before meals
  

Parents often find it helpful to pack oral rehydration salts (ORS) and mild probiotics just in case. These are also readily available at pharmacies and minimarts across Bali.

Plastic Waste and the Refill Culture in Bali

The Problem with Bottled Water

While bottled water is the safest option in Bali, it comes with a downside: plastic waste. Bali’s beaches and drainage systems already struggle with plastic pollution, particularly during the rainy season, when debris gets washed into the sea.

Fortunately, there’s a growing refill station movement on the island. Many cafés, hostels, and wellness centers now offer free or low-cost filtered water if you bring your own bottle.

If you’re planning a longer stay, consider:

• A reusable water bottle with a filter
  
• Apps like RefillMyBottle to find nearby refill stations
  
• Buying large water jugs (5–19L) instead of small bottles
  

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to cost the earth—and Bali is increasingly supportive of travelers trying to reduce their footprint.

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