DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Authorities have launched an investigation after dark-colored water resembling wastewater was seen flowing into Segara Ayu Beach in Sanur Kaja Village, Denpasar, raising environmental concerns along one of Bali’s popular coastal areas.
The Denpasar Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) immediately conducted a site inspection and deployed an excavator to examine a section of sand believed to be the source of the discharge.
During the excavation, officials observed thick black water emerging from beneath the sand, accompanied by a strong odor.
“We found water resembling wastewater coming out, and it had a slight odor,” said Ketut Ngurah Artha Jaya, Head of Water Resources at Denpasar PUPR, during the inspection on Monday (June 22).
Preliminary findings indicate the water may have originated from a blocked drainage channel that overflowed and reached the beach area.
“We are still conducting further checks. There is a drainage channel carrying water toward the sea,” Artha explained.
He said sand accumulation near the outlet appeared to obstruct the flow, causing water to collect and eventually surface in the beach area.
“At the discharge point, a large amount of sand has blocked the flow and caused the water to stagnate,” he added.
To determine the source and nature of the water, the Bali Provincial Environmental Laboratory Unit collected samples for laboratory testing.
Initial field measurements using a portable WalkLab device showed the water had a pH level of 6.29, a figure officials said was close to characteristics commonly associated with wastewater.
“The investigation is still ongoing. We are waiting for the final laboratory results, which are expected in about five days,” Artha said.
Environmental activist and member of Bali Province’s Environmental Working Group, I Gusti Rai Ari Temaja, also joined the inspection to help identify the source of the discharge.
“We want to avoid speculation, so we are giving this immediate attention. Any verified information will be shared as soon as possible,” he said.
From 9:00 a.m. to noon, investigators traced not only the affected section of shoreline but also drainage routes suspected of carrying water into the sea.
“We are investigating the flow path. Whatever the source may be, we need to prevent wastewater from reaching the beach,” Temaja explained.
Early observations have raised suspicions that the discharge could be linked to business activities in the surrounding area. However, authorities stressed that no conclusions have been reached.
“At this stage, it is only a possibility. We are still seeking a more definitive explanation,” Temaja said.
He added that if violations are eventually confirmed, enforcement measures would follow existing regulations, beginning with guidance and corrective actions before further sanctions are considered.
Officials from the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and Bali Police also monitored the investigation process at the site.
Authorities are currently awaiting laboratory results and additional findings before determining the exact source of the water flowing into Segara Ayu Beach.