TapWaterGuide
Worldwide water safety reference
Not Safe Peru · Last reviewed:

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Lima?

No, tap water in Lima is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or purified water throughout your stay.

Hardness
Not centrally published; not relevant given universal bottled/purified use.
Country
Peru
Rating
Not Safe

Water Source

Lima's utility SEDAPAL treats water from the Rímac River, but distribution infrastructure and intermittent supply mean water isn't considered safe to drink directly from the tap.

Contaminants & Concerns

Bacterial contamination risk from aging pipes and inconsistent pressure is the primary concern.

Tips

  • Bottled water is sold everywhere and inexpensive
  • Use bottled water for brushing teeth
  • Well-established restaurants in Miraflores and Barranco typically use purified water for food prep, but drink bottled to be safe

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.

Other Cities in Peru