Are you a property owner in Bali struggling to decipher your water bill? You’re not alone. Water charges in Bali can be complex, with varying tariffs and calculation methods. This guide breaks down the key components of a typical water bill, helping you understand how you are being charged and potentially save money.

Decoding Your Bali Water Bill

Water Supplier Details

The first thing you’ll see on your bill is the header, which includes the details of your water supplier. In Denpasar, for example, the water supplier is the Denpasar City Regional Drinking Water Company, also known as PDAM.

Customer Information

Below the header, you will find your personal details such as your area, billing month, name, address and bill number.

The Crucial “GoL” (Classification)

One of the most important details is the “GoL,” which stands for “golongan,” or classification. This determines your tariff and the amount you will be charged for water. Tariffs vary based on customer type, which includes Social, Domestic, Commercial, Government, and Industrial. Within Domestic and Commercial categories, there are further classifications based on:

• Width of your front street: Measure the width of the street in front of your property, including any drainage channels, grass verges etc. There are typically four road size ranges: less than 3.99 meters, 4 to 6.99 meters, 7 to 10 meters, and over 10 meters.
• Electrical power connected to the property: Check your electricity meter for the wattage, which is typically categorized as 450, 900, 900 to 2200, and over 2200 watts.

For example, a classification of D3-4 might indicate a domestic rate for a house with a road 7 to 10 meters wide and with an electrical connection of over 2,200 watts.

Water Price Per Cubic Meter

The price of water is determined by a schedule of rates set by your local PDAM office. These rates often vary based on your “GoL” classification. The schedule may seem complicated but it is categorized based on the type of customer. In Denpasar, the price is tiered so the first 10 cubic meters (M3) might cost one rate, the next 10 M3 a higher rate, and any amount above 20 M3 yet another rate.

Calculating Your Water Bill

Fixed Costs (“Abonemen”)

In Denpasar, a fixed cost or “abonemen” is included in your bill. This is a subscription or a fixed cost which is equivalent to the cost of the first 10 or 20 cubic meters, depending on the tariff, and it has to be paid whether you use the water or not. In Badung the initial fixed cost is determined by the size of the PDAM pipe entering your property.

Variable Costs

Your variable water costs are calculated based on your monthly consumption which is the difference between your previous and current month’s meter reading. The costs are calculated using the tiered pricing system. For example, with a D3-4 tariff in Denpasar:

• First 10 M3 might cost Rp2,410 per M3.
• Next 10 M3 might cost Rp2,950 per M3.
• Anything over 20 M3 might cost Rp4,730 per M3.

Additional Charges

Your bill might also include:

• Meter Maintenance Fee: In Denpasar, you may have to pay a fee for maintaining the water meter. This is typically not charged in Badung.
• Stamp Duty (Meterai): A standard stamp duty is usually added to the bill.

Penalties

Late payment penalties (Denda) are charged for overdue bills, with the amount increasing the longer the bill goes unpaid. For example, in Denpasar, a one month late payment might incur a penalty of Rp10,000, while a three month overdue payment could cost an extra Rp100,000. If you go beyond three months, the water company may start the process of cutting off your supply. In Badung, the penalties are slightly different: Rp5,000 for the first month, Rp10,000 for the second month, and Rp100,000 above that.

Understanding Water Bills in Different Regions: Denpasar vs. Badung

While both Denpasar and Badung follow similar principles for calculating water bills, there are some key differences:

• Denpasar: Pricing is tiered and depends on your classification (“GoL”), road width and electrical power, along with a fixed cost for the first tier.
• Badung: The initial fixed cost is determined by the diameter of the water pipe entering your property, and prices are not related to electricity supply. Badung also charge a flat fee to purchase the water meter of Rp 1,500,000, and they do not charge for meter maintenance.

The “Villa” Factor

If your house is classified as a “villa” with a private pool, you will be charged at a much higher Industrial tariff. This will dramatically increase your water bills. The definition of “villa” can be determined by the water company officials but it is generally understood that if a property has a swimming pool it is likely to be classified as a villa.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your “GoL” classification: This determines your tariff.
• Measure your street width: This is a factor in determining your “GoL”.
• Check your electrical power: Your electrical connection is also a factor in determining your “GoL”.
• Be aware of tiered pricing: The more you use, the higher the cost per cubic meter.
• Pay your bills on time: Avoid penalties for late payments.
• Know the difference between “house” and “villa”: Villas are charged at a higher rate.

By understanding the nuances of water bills and charges in Bali, you can manage your water consumption, budget accordingly, and avoid unexpected costs. Stay informed and make sure your property is classified correctly to avoid unnecessary expenses.