Not Safe
Egypt
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cairo?
No, tap water in Cairo is not safe to drink. Bottled water is standard practice for both travelers and most residents.
Hardness
Hard
Country
Egypt
Rating
Not Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Water is drawn primarily from the Nile River and treated by regional utilities, but aging infrastructure and agricultural/industrial runoff into the Nile create ongoing quality challenges.
Contaminants & Concerns
Bacterial contamination and agricultural runoff byproducts are common concerns.
Tips
- •Bottled water is cheap and universally available — always check the seal
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- •Avoid ice and fresh juices from street vendors unless from a reputable establishment
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data