Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Fez?
Caution is advised with tap water in Fez. RADEEF (Régie Autonome de Distribution d’Eau et d’Electricité de Fès) distributes water treated to Moroccan standards, but the ancient Médina’s centuries-old infrastructure and heavy chlorination make bottled water the practical choice for visitors.
Water Source
Fez draws its water from deep groundwater springs, including the Ain Nokbi and Ras El Ma sources, supplemented by treated surface water from the Sebou River basin. ONEE provides bulk treatment, and RADEEF handles distribution through the city, including the labyrinthine piping of the old Médina.
Contaminants & Concerns
Water quality at the treatment stage meets Moroccan standards, but the Médina’s pipe network — portions of which date back centuries — can introduce sediment and bacterial contamination. Strong chlorination compensates but creates a pronounced taste. Modern Ville Nouvelle areas have more reliable infrastructure.
Tips
- •Stick to bottled water in the Médina, where plumbing is ancient and labyrinthine
- •Sidi Ali and Aïn Saiss bottled water are available at shops throughout the Médina’s souks
- •Water in Ville Nouvelle hotels is generally more reliable, but most visitors still prefer bottled water for drinking
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