Rainy Season in Bali: Simple Habits for Clean Drinking Water
The first heavy rains are here, and for many of us in Bali that means green rice fields, cooler evenings, and the smell of wet earth. It is also a good moment to look again at something we use every day without thinking about it: our drinking water.
What the rain changes
Heavy rain and flooding can carry dirt and other contaminants into rivers, wells and water storage. Pipes, tanks and storage can also be affected, depending on where you live. We are not saying your water is unsafe: quality differs from place to place, and the best way to know is to ask a local expert or test it. But the rainy season is a sensible time to be a little more careful, and to check that your habits still work.
Three simple habits
- Know where your drinking water comes from. Tap, well, delivered gallons or a filter: each has its own care. If you store water, keep tanks and containers clean and covered.
- Do not rely on appearance. Water can look clear and still need treatment. Boiling is the traditional answer in Indonesia, and filtering is another everyday option.
- Keep your filter in good shape. A filter only works as well as it is looked after.
How to care for your Terra ceramic filter
If you already use a Terra filter, a few small things matter most in the rainy season:
- Clean it regularly. We recommend cleaning your filter about every three months, or sooner if the water starts to flow more slowly. Use a soft brush and clean water, and rinse well.
- Expect a gentle pace. A Terra filter produces about two litres per hour. That is by design: the water passes slowly through the ceramic. Fill it in the evening, and it is ready in the morning. - Flush a new filter. A new filter should be flushed three to five times before drinking. The first water can taste of clay and silver, which fades quickly.
- Check for cracks. If you ever see a crack or break, stop using the filter and replace the filter unit. A cracked filter cannot do its job.
- Register your filter. When you register, we can remind you when it is time to renew and help you find the nearest distributor.
Behind the scenes: why ceramic cannot be rushed
Every Terra filter is shaped from clay and then dried slowly, for around three weeks, before it is fired in the kiln. In the rainy season we pay extra attention to this stage, because humid air and rain change how fast clay dries. Drying too fast, or unevenly, can cause cracks, so we protect the filters and give them the time they need. It is one of the quiet reasons a handmade ceramic filter takes the time it takes.
A calm next step
If you would like to know more about how a Terra filter works, you can read how it works on our website. If you already own one, you can activate your warranty and filter reminder in a minute.
Get your filters!
