Caution
Colombia
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cartagena?
No, tap water in Cartagena is not recommended for travelers. Acuacar treats the supply, but the coastal city’s aging infrastructure makes bottled water the safer choice for visitors.
Hardness
Moderate
Country
Colombia
Rating
Caution
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Acuacar (Aguas de Cartagena) supplies the city from the Canal del Dique, a canal connecting to the Magdalena River, treated at conventional water treatment plants before distribution.
Contaminants & Concerns
Treatment meets Colombian standards at the plant, but aging coastal infrastructure, high humidity, and older building plumbing allow bacterial contamination and sediment to enter the water at the point of use.
Tips
- •Drink bottled water throughout your stay in Cartagena
- •Use bottled water for ice in drinks if you are making them yourself
- •Restaurants in the walled city and tourist areas typically use purified water and filtered ice
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