Africa
Can you drink tap water in Malawi?
NoNo, drink bottled
Can you drink the tap water in Malawi?
Don't drink the tap water. Drink bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk and tap water is not reliably safe.
Key facts
- Safely managed drinking water: 18% of people (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water by place in Malawi
| Place | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lilongwe | No, drink bottled | Use bottled or filtered water; lake water carries bilharzia risk. |
| Cape Maclear | No, drink bottled | Drink bottled or filtered water; lake water is not safe to drink, and swimming carries bilharzia risk. |
Tap water by place
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water
- US State Department travel advisory
- Malawi Department of Immigration
- UK FCDO travel advice: Malawi
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.