Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Costa Rica?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, including San José and the Central Valley, but caution is advised in remote rural areas and some Caribbean coastal towns.
Water Source
About 90% of the population is served by AyA (Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados) or local rural aqueducts (ASADAs), drawing from protected mountain springs and groundwater.
Contaminants & Concerns
Municipal supply meets national and WHO standards. Some rural ASADA-run systems, particularly in Caribbean and remote Pacific areas, have inconsistent testing and treatment.
Regional Variations
Safe in San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and most tourist hubs like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Use bottled or filtered water in very remote areas, small Caribbean coast towns (e.g., parts of Cahuita/Puerto Viejo), and after heavy storms when runoff can affect rural systems.
Water Hardness
Generally soft to moderate, roughly 50–150 mg/L, varying by region and volcanic geology..
Do Locals Drink Tap Water?
Yes, most Costa Ricans (Ticos) drink tap water without issue.
Tips for Travelers
- •Costa Rica is often cited as having the best tap water in Central America
- •Carry a reusable bottle — most hotels and eco-lodges provide safe filtered water
- •In very remote lodges, ask staff directly whether local tap water is treated
Recommended Precautions
Use bottled or filtered water in remote rural areas and after major storms