Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Nassau?
Generally yes, tap water in Nassau is safe to drink. Water and Sewerage Corporation of the Bahamas operates reverse-osmosis desalination plants on New Providence Island, producing high-quality water that meets WHO guidelines.
Water Source
Nassau’s water is supplied by the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) via reverse-osmosis desalination plants, since New Providence Island has limited natural freshwater. The largest facility, operated under contract by Consolidated Water, desalinates seawater to supply the majority of the capital.
Contaminants & Concerns
No major contamination at the treatment plants. Desalinated water starts essentially pure and is remineralized before distribution. The main concern is the ageing distribution network in some older neighbourhoods of Nassau, where intermittent pressure can occasionally affect quality.
Tips
- •Tap water in resort areas and central Nassau is safe to drink — it comes from modern desalination plants
- •In older neighbourhoods like Over-the-Hill, running the tap briefly before drinking is a sensible precaution
- •Refill a reusable bottle to save money — bottled water on the island is expensive
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