Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Bermuda?

Bermuda has no freshwater springs, rivers, or lakes. Water comes from rainwater harvested on white limestone roofs into cisterns (50–70% of supply) and reverse osmosis desalination plants. Bermuda Waterworks operates two RO plants supplying about 3,000 metered customers.

Microbial contamination is the primary concern: 66% of residential cisterns contain E. coli and 90% exceed coliform standards, mainly from bird droppings on roofs. Lead exceeded standards in 16% of sampled homes.

Large hotels and resorts mostly use RO-treated water that is safe to drink. Bermuda Waterworks supplies about 3,000 metered customers with treated water. Private residences vary enormously depending on cistern maintenance and filtration.

Very soft. Rainwater is naturally soft (near 0–60 mg/L). RO-desalinated water is also very soft..

Yes, most Bermudians drink cistern water and have for over 400 years, though a growing number use point-of-use filtration as a precaution.

• •At major hotels, tap water is typically RO-treated and safe — ask front desk to confirm
• •In rental properties and guesthouses, ask whether water is filtered or chlorinated
• •Consider a portable water filter if staying in private accommodation

• •In private accommodation, ask about cistern maintenance before drinking
• •Avoid drinking tap water immediately after a water truck delivery as it stirs up sediment
• •At hotels, confirm whether drinking water comes from RO or cistern