Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Gambia?

Gambia relies almost entirely on groundwater from the Continental Terminal sandstone aquifer, accessed through boreholes managed by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), since the country has no major dammed reservoirs. The Gambia River, which runs the length of the country, is used for irrigation and fishing rather than drinking water due to salinity from tidal intrusion.

Saltwater intrusion into coastal boreholes near Banjul and the Atlantic coast increases salinity in some parts of the network, particularly during the dry season when groundwater levels drop. Aging pipes in Serrekunda and greater Banjul allow bacterial contamination to enter the system, and inconsistent chlorination at pumping stations further undermines reliability.

Greater Banjul's NAWEC-run network reaches most urban households but suffers from frequent low-pressure periods and localized contamination, especially in fast-growing areas like Brikama. Upcountry regions along the Gambia River depend on smaller borehole schemes, some installed decades ago, with inconsistent maintenance and water quality testing.

Groundwater from the Continental Terminal aquifer is generally moderate in hardness, around 80–150 mg/L, though coastal boreholes affected by saltwater intrusion can show higher mineral and salt content..

Many urban residents buy sachet water or bottled water from local producers, while others rely on boiled tap water at home. In upcountry villages, hand-pump boreholes are the primary source, with water quality varying significantly by location and pump age.

• •Drink bottled water throughout Gambia, including in Banjul and the coastal resort areas
• •Avoid tap water for brushing teeth outside well-maintained hotels
• •Use purification tablets or a filter when traveling upcountry along the river
• •Avoid ice from informal vendors and small local restaurants

• •Boil tap water for at least one minute if bottled water is unavailable
• •Avoid drinking directly from the Gambia River due to salinity and contamination
• •Store treated water in clean, sealed containers
• •Be cautious with tap water quality during the dry season when salinity rises