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Tap Water Safety in Panama

Do not Drink :(

LAST UPDATED: April 8, 2021 12:53 pm
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How do People In Panama Rate The Tap Water?

Travellers and residents of Panama have rated the water quality and pollution as follows, according to subjective survey data. A score of 100% is considered very high, and a score of 0% is very low. Please be cautious that "moderate to very high" water pollution is bad and the higher the rate of water quality the better.

Can you drink the tap water in Panama?

The US Center for Disease Control's travel advisory recommends avoiding tap water and drinking bottled or disinfected water in Panama (source). Like all countries though, water accessibility, sanitation, and treatment vary widely from location to location, so we encourage looking for specific city information.

What do people in Panama think about the tap water?

Tap water in Panama City is safe to drink, as is the water in most other parts of the country. However, you’re better off buying bottled water or purifying your own water in the provinces of Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala. If you have the means, vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective method of water purification. Another option is to disinfect water with iodine pills, or add 2% tincture of iodine to one quart or liter of water (five drops to clear water, 10 drops to cloudy water) and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cold, longer periods may be required.

Wikitravel

Tap water is safe in virtually all cities and towns, with the exception of Bocas del Toro, where bottled water is recommended.

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 34% Low
  • Water Pollution 66% High
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 66% High
  • Water Quality 34% Low

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in , measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

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