City in Littoral, Benin
Can you drink tap water in Cotonou?
NoNo, drink bottled
Can you drink the tap water in Cotonou?
Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid street ice and unwashed salads.
Key facts
- In Cotonou: Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid street ice and unwashed salads.
- Across Benin: Tap water is unsafe. Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice from unknown sources.
- Safely managed drinking water: 18% of people in Benin (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Benin
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| Cotonou | No, drink bottled |
| Ouidah | No, drink bottled |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Cotonou?
Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid street ice and unwashed salads.
Can you drink tap water in Benin?
Tap water is unsafe. Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice from unknown sources.
More about Cotonou
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Gozem
- Fondation Zinsou
Verdicts reflect official utility statements and what locals actually do. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.