Not Safe Myanmar · Last reviewed: August 28, 2026

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Yangon?

Q: Is Yangon tap water safe to drink?

No. Only about 40% of the city has piped water connections, and even connected areas receive contaminated, intermittent supply. Always use bottled or boiled water.

Q: What are the clay water pots on Yangon streets?

Yay-oh are a Burmese tradition of offering free drinking water to passers-by. While culturally significant, the water source is unverified and should be avoided by visitors in favour of bottled water.

Q: Is bottled water safe and available in Yangon?

Yes, sealed bottles from brands like Alpine and AA are safe and widely available at shops and street vendors for about 300–500 kyat. Always check the seal is intact.

Q: Will Yangon’s water infrastructure improve?

JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and the World Bank are funding major upgrades, but improvements are slow due to the scale of the challenge and the country’s political situation.

No, tap water in Yangon is not safe to drink. The Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) Water and Sanitation Department operates ageing treatment plants, and the distribution system is severely compromised by leaks, illegal connections, and cross-contamination.

Hardness

Soft to moderate

Country

Myanmar

Rating

Not Safe

Soft

Moderate

Hard

Very Hard

Water Source

Yangon draws water from Hlawga, Inya, and Gyobyu reservoirs and from the Ngamoeyeik River, treated at plants including the Gyobyu and Nyaunghnapin facilities. Distribution coverage reaches less than 40% of the city, and supply is intermittent even in connected areas.

Contaminants & Concerns

Treatment capacity is far below demand. The pipe network loses an estimated 60% of water to leaks, and negative pressure during supply interruptions draws in sewage and groundwater contamination. Bacterial contamination (E. coli, coliforms) is routinely found in tap samples across the city. Many residents rely on private wells of unverified quality.

Tips

•Drink only sealed bottled water or boiled water — never consume tap water directly
•Carry sufficient water when exploring pagodas and markets, as clean water may not be available on site
•The traditional Burmese clay water pots (yay-oh) seen on streets offer free water but are filled from unverified sources — use bottled water instead

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yangon tap water safe to drink?

What are the clay water pots on Yangon streets?

Is bottled water safe and available in Yangon?

Will Yangon’s water infrastructure improve?

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

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