Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Pattaya?
No, tap water in Pattaya is not safe to drink. The Provincial Waterworks Authority Eastern Region treats water from local reservoirs, but the distribution network and rapid urban development without matching infrastructure make the supply unreliable.
Water Source
Pattaya’s water comes from the Mab Prachan and Nong Pla Lai reservoirs, supplemented by water piped from the Rayong province reservoirs during dry seasons. Treatment includes conventional flocculation, sand filtration, and chlorination.
Contaminants & Concerns
The distribution network is a mix of old and haphazardly installed pipes that introduce rust, sediment, and bacterial contamination. Rapid construction and development have stressed the system beyond design capacity. Chlorine taste is often strong near the treatment plant but dissipates to insufficient levels at the ends of long runs.
Tips
- •Drink bottled water or use the ubiquitous refill machines (1–2 baht per litre) found on nearly every street
- •Most hotels, restaurants, and bars in the tourist areas use purified water for ice and drinks
- •If renting a condo long-term, a countertop or under-sink water filter is a worthwhile investment
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