Introduction
Bali, a paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, faces significant challenges in maintaining its environmental purity. One of the most pressing issues is water contamination caused by improperly designed and maintained septic systems. These systems, prevalent across the island, often leak semi-processed waste into the ground, contaminating groundwater and tap water. To combat this, the Government of Bali has introduced the Denpasar Sewerage Development Project (DSDP), a crucial step towards a cleaner and healthier Bali.
What is the Denpasar Sewerage Development Project (DSDP)?
The DSDP is a government-led initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive mains sewerage system across Bali. Funded with the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project involves collecting both black water (from toilets) and grey water (from showers, washbasins, washing machines, and kitchen sinks). This wastewater is then transported to a centralized sewage treatment plant for processing and disposal, thus mitigating water contamination issues. The project began with a feasibility study in 1994, with construction starting in 2004.
Key Objectives of the DSDP
- Protect Water Purity: The primary goal is to keep groundwater and tap water clean by providing an alternative to the island’s inadequate septic tanks.
- Improve Public Health: By effectively managing wastewater, the DSDP aims to reduce waterborne diseases that commonly affect residents and tourists alike.
- Sustainable Waste Management: The system offers a long-term, sustainable solution for sewage disposal, moving away from reliance on often faulty septic systems.
Project Coverage and Infrastructure
The DSDP project is expansive, encompassing multiple regions across Bali. As of now, the project covers three major areas:
- Denpasar: Effluent from all of Denpasar flows into a main sewer, which runs down Jalan Sesetan to the traffic lights at Benoa and then to the sewage treatment plant in Suwung. Most of the system in Denpasar works via gravity, but a small area in western Denpasar requires a pump.
- Sanur: This area has two main north-south sewer pipes—one running under Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai and the other under Jalan Tamblingan. Wastewater is collected and taken to a main pump house next to the bypass in the southwestern corner of Sanur. From there, three pumps move the wastewater through a main pipe along the bypass to Suwung.
- Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak: This area has a main sewer along Jalan Legian. A main pump house near Jalan Imam Bonjol utilizes three pumps to send wastewater to Suwung. Due to the area’s low elevation, a network of pumps is used to push the wastewater into the main sewer line.
The sewage treatment plant located in Suwung covers 10 hectares and includes four large holding ponds (two aerated for bacterial breakdown and two sedimentation ponds), capable of processing up to 51,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day. The overall project for Bali aims to connect over 36,000 subscribers using 200 kilometers of pipes and is planned for completion in the 2030s. Phase DSDP 1 has already connected 7,000 properties, and phase DSDP 2 is underway, with 12,665 connections completed.
Challenges and How You Can Help
Despite its benefits, the DSDP faces several operational challenges, primarily due to improper customer behavior:
- Sanitary Napkins: These are a major problem, easily blocking pipes and not breaking down in the treatment plant.
- Cooking Grease and Oils: Fats and oils, especially from restaurants and hotels, clog the system.
- Rainwater: Some plumbers improperly connect rainwater drainage to sewers, overwhelming the system.
- Construction Waste: Sand and earth from construction sites can block pipes.
How You Can Support the DSDP:
- Avoid Disposing of Sanitary Napkins in Toilets: Use proper waste disposal methods.
- Do Not Pour Cooking Oils and Fats into Drains: Install grease traps if necessary.
- Ensure Rainwater Drains Are Not Connected to Sewers: Implement proper drainage solutions.
- Prevent Construction Waste from Entering Drains: Properly dispose of construction waste.
- Do Not Lift Sewer Manholes to Drain Flooded Areas: This can cause system issues.
Connecting to the DSDP System
If you’re in an area covered by the DSDP, you’ll likely see circular concrete manhole covers with the letters “DSDP” cast into them. To connect your property to the DSDP system, follow these steps:
- Visit the DSDP office and fill out the application form.
- DSDP will send staff to survey your property.
- They will install a connection from your property to the main sewer, including an HI or “House Inlet” box on your property.
- Hire your own plumber to connect your property’s system to the House Inlet box.
- Once completed, you’ll have an account set up and will be charged a monthly fee for the service.
Monthly Charges
The monthly charges for the DSDP service vary based on the type of property:
Piped Sewage:
- Social (Charities, orphanages, schools, banjars): Rp 10,000
- Households
- Type A (road width under 7 meters): Rp 15,000
- Type B (road width 7 to 10 meters): Rp 20,000
- Type C (road width over 10 meters): Rp 25,000
- Agencies and Offices: Rp 70,000
- Hotels
- Star-rated Hotels (per room): Rp 100,000
- Non-star rated Hotels (per room): Rp 50,000
- Lodgings and Losmen: Rp 150,000
- Restaurants
- Up to 50 seats: Rp 400,000
- 51 to 100 seats: Rp 500,000
- Over 100 seats: Rp 700,000
- Commercial Premises
- Small: Rp 45,000
- Medium: Rp 100,000
- Large: Rp 150,000
- Public Facilities: Rp 40,000
Non-Piped Sewage:
- Truck removal of waste from septic (3 cu.m.): Rp 150,000
- Disposal of waste at sewage plant (3 cu.m.): Rp 15,000
Conclusion
The DSDP represents a significant step forward in Bali’s efforts to manage its wastewater and safeguard its environment. By connecting to the system and adopting responsible disposal habits, residents and businesses can contribute to a cleaner, healthier future for the island. Switching to the DSDP means no more pumping septic tanks and knowing that you’re doing your part to help clean up Bali.
