Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Can you drink tap water in Santa Teresa?
Can you drink the tap water in Santa Teresa?
Tap water is treated, but filter or boil it. Tap water varies by property and some houses use well water. Locals and visitors usually drink filtered or bottled water.
Key facts
- In Santa Teresa: Tap water varies by property and some houses use well water. Locals and visitors usually drink filtered or bottled 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 Santa Teresa?
Tap water is treated, but filter or boil it. Tap water varies by property and some houses use well water. Locals and visitors usually drink filtered or bottled 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.
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Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
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 Spotted something out of date?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.