Mexico & Central America
Can you drink tap water in Costa Rica?
YesYes, drinkable
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
Tap water is safe to drink. Tap water is safe in San José and most towns; some beach and rural areas, including parts of the Caribbean coast, advise bottled or filtered.
Key facts
- Safely managed drinking water: 81% of people (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water by place in Costa Rica
| Place | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is generally safe in La Fortuna; ask at rural lodges. Refill bottles at hostels. |
| San José | Yes, drinkable | Tap water in San José is safe to drink. Ice in restaurants is normally made from purified water. |
| Tamarindo | Filter or boil | Tap water is treated but hard on the stomach for some; most visitors and locals use filtered or bottled water. Ask in rentals. |
| Manuel Antonio | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is generally safe in Quepos and the main hotels. Use bottled water if unsure, especially in rental houses. |
| Santa Teresa | Filter or boil | Tap water varies by property and some houses use well water. Locals and visitors usually drink filtered or bottled water. |
| Monteverde | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is generally safe in Santa Elena and Cerro Plano; check at remote lodges. |
| Puerto Viejo | Filter or boil | Water is treated but supply and quality vary; most travelers and locals use bottled or filtered water, especially in rentals. |
| Nosara | Filter or boil | Water quality varies by well and property. Most residents and visitors drink filtered or bottled water. |
| Tortuguero | No, drink bottled | Drink bottled or filtered water. Most guesthouses and lodges provide refills; avoid ice in small stalls. |
| Jacó | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is generally safe in Jacó; ask at rentals and use bottled water in outer villas. |
| Uvita | Filter or boil | Tap water is treated in town but quality varies in rural villas; most people use filtered or bottled water. |
| Playas del Coco | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is drinkable in town, but supply can be cut in the dry season; many residents buy filtered water. |
| Sámara | Yes, drinkable | Tap water is generally drinkable in the village, but AyA took over the supply from the local ASADA in late 2025 and residents report unannounced cuts. Many use filtered water. |
Tap water by place
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- Visit Costa Rica (ICT): digital nomads
- Speedtest Global Index: Costa Rica
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.