Capital city in Central Region, Malawi
Can you drink tap water in Lilongwe?
NoNo, drink bottled
Can you drink the tap water in Lilongwe?
Don't drink the tap water. Use bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk.
Key facts
- In Lilongwe: Use bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk.
- Across Malawi: Drink bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk and tap water is not reliably safe.
- Safely managed drinking water: 18% of people in Malawi (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Malawi
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| Lilongwe | No, drink bottled |
| Cape Maclear | No, drink bottled |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Lilongwe?
Don't drink the tap water. Use bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk.
Can you drink tap water in Malawi?
Drink bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk and tap water is not reliably safe.
More about Lilongwe
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Malawi immigration
- Malawi Department of Tourism
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 Spotted something out of date?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.