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Tap Water Safety in Puerto Rico

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: April 8, 2021 12:53 pm
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Table of Contents

How do People In Puerto Rico Rate The Tap Water?

Travellers and residents of Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico?

The US Center for Disease Control’s travel advisory confirms the safety of the tap water in Puerto Rico (source). However, it would be best if you take special precautions toward the unregulated water sources in some areas. 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 Puerto Rico think about the tap water?

Tap water does not taste great but is safe to drink.

Wikitravel

Tap water is treated and is officially safe to drink, though it tastes rather chlorinated; many opt for bottled water instead.
Tap water may be unsafe to drink in Puerto Rico. When spending the day walking in the hot tropical sun it is important to stay hydrated. Ask for bottled water at restaurants, bars, hotels.
Fresh water lakes and streams in metropolitan areas are often polluted so avoid going in for a dip. You can, however, find freshwater streams and ponds in the rain forest that are safe to swim in. Generally, if you see Puerto Ricans swimming in it then you are probably okay, especially high in the rain forest. Puerto Rico is a tropical island but is free of most diseases that plague many other tropical countries of the Caribbean and the world. Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere, and your hosts will let you know if their water is suspect. Bottled water, if necessary, is available, at grocery and drugstores in gallons, and most small stores have bottled water as well.

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 31% Low
  • Water Pollution 56% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 69% High
  • Water Quality 44% Moderate

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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