Authorities warn illegal taps are worsening leaks and disrupting clean water distribution

BP Batam has uncovered widespread illegal water connections across the city, raising fresh concerns over water losses, unstable supply, and the growing pressure on Batam’s clean water network.

Illegal Connections Found in Multiple Areas
BP Batam says it has found illegal water connections in several districts, including Nongsa and Sagulung, in a discovery that could explain persistent supply disruptions in parts of the city. BP Batam chief Amsakar Achmad confirmed the findings on April 2, but said the agency is still finalizing data on the exact number of illegal connection points before moving ahead with broader enforcement.

Threat to Clean Water Distribution
According to Amsakar, these unauthorized links cannot be left unchecked because they increase water leakage and put greater strain on Batam’s already sensitive distribution system. He said BP Batam plans to take action soon, but will first notify the public so that any enforcement effort does not create unnecessary disruption to legal clean water users who depend on stable daily supply.

Supply Can Fail Midway Through the Network
Deputy for Public Services Ariastuy Sirait said illegal connections directly affect water flow to residents. In some cases, water pressure appears normal upstream, but weakens or disappears further down the network because water is being siphoned off in the middle of the line. That means households may suddenly lose access even when there is no problem at the main source, making illegal tapping a serious operational issue rather than just a regulatory violation.

Verification and Gradual Enforcement Ahead
BP Batam said the illegal connections appear to be spread across many districts, though officials are still verifying whether they are located in formal housing areas, informal settlements, or both. Because the scale of the problem is still being counted, monitoring and enforcement will be carried out in stages. The agency is also reviewing field data more carefully before deciding on the next steps, including formalizing some connections through official meter installation.

Residents Offered Chance to Legalize Connections
In a more persuasive approach, BP Batam is inviting residents who have already used illegal connections to come forward and switch to legal service lines. Ariastuy said those who voluntarily report and regularize their access may face lighter fines, though the exact amount is still under discussion. He also noted that Batam’s non-revenue water level, or NRW, is currently about 19 percent, down from 24 percent previously, suggesting that reducing leakage and illegal use remains a major target for improving the city’s water system.

BP Batam’s findings show that illegal water connections are not just a legal problem, but a direct threat to reliable public service in a fast-growing city. For Batam residents, the issue matters because every unauthorized tap can weaken pressure, increase losses, and make clean water less dependable for entire neighborhoods. For Singaporeans watching developments in nearby Batam, the case also highlights how urban infrastructure challenges, if left unmanaged, can quickly affect public trust, service quality, and long-term city planning.

Sources: Batampos (2026) , Jawa Pos (2026)

Keywords: Batam Water Supply, Illegal Water Connections, BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, Ariastuy Sirait, Water Leakage, Non Revenue Water