Caution
Brazil
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Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Rio de Janeiro?
No, tap water in Rio de Janeiro is not generally recommended for travelers. CEDAE treats the Guandu River supply, but occasional taste and odor issues from algae blooms and aging pipes make bottled water the safer choice.
Hardness
Soft to moderate
Country
Brazil
Rating
Caution
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
CEDAE (Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos) supplies Rio primarily from the Guandu River treatment plant, one of the largest in the world. The Guandu draws from river water that occasionally suffers algal blooms producing geosmin.
Contaminants & Concerns
Geosmin from algae causes periodic earthy taste and odor episodes. Aging distribution pipes can introduce sediment and bacteria. Chlorine levels are elevated to compensate, affecting taste.
Tips
- •Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive throughout Rio
- •If the tap water has a muddy or earthy smell, this is geosmin from algae — it is unpleasant but not dangerous
- •Hotels in tourist areas like Copacabana and Ipanema often have their own filtration systems
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