City in Antioquia, Colombia
Can you drink tap water in Medellín?
Can you drink the tap water in Medellín?
Tap water is safe to drink. Medellín tap water from EPM is treated and safe to drink; many visitors still prefer filters in older buildings.
Key facts
- In Medellín: Medellín tap water from EPM is treated and safe to drink; many visitors still prefer filters in older buildings.
- Across Colombia: Safe from the tap in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled or filtered on the Caribbean coast, in small towns and rural areas.
- Safely managed drinking water: 74% of people in Colombia (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Colombia
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| Medellín | Yes, drinkable |
| Cartagena | No, drink bottled |
| Bogotá | Yes, drinkable |
| Santa Marta | No, drink bottled |
| Cali | Filter or boil |
| Salento | Filter or boil |
| Guatapé | Filter or boil |
| San Andrés | No, drink bottled |
| Minca | No, drink bottled |
| Palomino | No, drink bottled |
| Villa de Leyva | Filter or boil |
| San Gil | Filter or boil |
| Jardín | Filter or boil |
| Barranquilla | Filter or boil |
| Pereira | Filter or boil |
| Leticia | No, drink bottled |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Medellín?
Tap water is safe to drink. Medellín tap water from EPM is treated and safe to drink; many visitors still prefer filters in older buildings.
Can you drink tap water in Colombia?
Safe from the tap in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled or filtered on the Caribbean coast, in small towns and rural areas.
More about Medellín
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Metro de Medellín
- Aeropuerto José María Córdova
- Medellín 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 Spotted something out of date?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.