Capital city, Costa Rica
Can you drink tap water in San José?
Can you drink the tap water in San José?
Tap water is safe to drink. Tap water in San José is safe to drink. Ice in restaurants is normally made from purified water.
Key facts
- In San José: Tap water in San José is safe to drink. Ice in restaurants is normally made from purified water.
- Across Costa Rica: 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.
- Safely managed drinking water: 81% of people in Costa Rica (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across Costa Rica
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| La Fortuna | Yes, drinkable |
| San José | Yes, drinkable |
| Tamarindo | Filter or boil |
| Manuel Antonio | Yes, drinkable |
| Santa Teresa | Filter or boil |
| Monteverde | Yes, drinkable |
| Puerto Viejo | Filter or boil |
| Nosara | Filter or boil |
| Tortuguero | No, drink bottled |
| Jacó | Yes, drinkable |
| Uvita | Filter or boil |
| Playas del Coco | Yes, drinkable |
| Sámara | Yes, drinkable |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in San José?
Tap water is safe to drink. Tap water in San José is safe to drink. Ice in restaurants is normally made from purified water.
Can you drink tap water in Costa Rica?
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.
More about San José
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.