Can You Drink the Water in Mexico?
Have you ever considered what the drinking water in Mexico is like?
One of the biggest worries we get asked about Mexico (aside from the usual drug cartel worries) is the potential risk of getting ill.
Unfortunately many travelers get some kind of bug when traveling through Mexico, which is mostly from the water which can easily be avoided with some know-how and planning.
In this guide we’ll explore whether it’s safe to drink tap water in Mexico. We’ll also look at other things such as brushing your teeth with tap water, and why using a water filter bottle is the very best way to avoid getting sick from waterborne illnesses.
Can You Drink the Water in Mexico?
Quick Answer: You should avoid drinking tap water in Mexico. The public water systems are not treated (like most Latin countries) which means you can easily catch a nasty parasite or bacteria. Only drink from sealed water bottles, even when staying in nice hotels.
Do people from Mexico drink tap water?
Locals from Mexico generally don’t drink tap water unfiltered, given the risks associated.
However it’s common to boil tap water here given it will kill any bacteria, so you may see this practice especially with local food stands and in the more remote regions.
Even then we don’t recommend this practice for travelers, since locals have a stronger stomach whereas those from other areas of the world (such as the USA or Europe) can get ill easier from foreign bugs. I (Dan) have experienced this first-hand in Mexico City.
What happens if you accidentally drink tap water in Mexico?
Drinking tap water (intentionally or by accident) carries a high risk of getting ill.
Once you’ve realised that you have made a mistake, it’s important to go to a pharmacy immediately and ask for their recommendations (to avoid getting full-on ill).
The DIY practice of making yourself vomit could work too, however it’s more difficult with water in comparison with a risky food given its harder to track how much is left in you.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Mexico?
Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally fine, as long as you are not gargling or swallowing any of the water.
Afterwards it’s best to do an extra rinse with bottled water after finishing just for extra safety. This is if you’re adamant on being extra cautious, of course.
In nicer hotels or resorts the tap water tends to be safer (especially in areas like Tulum and Playa del Carmen), however still follow the advice above as you never know – and only you are responsible for your health at the end of the day.
Our suggestion for drinking water in Mexico
Here are some of our top water tips for those who are heading to Mexico soon:
- Only drink from sealed bottles of water.
- Throw out bottles of water that aren’t refrigerated and have been open for more than 2 days.
- Always ask for no ice when ordering a drink in public (even in hotels!).
- Avoid ordering fresh salads or unpeeled fruits/vegetables, given they may have been washed with tap water.
- You can brush teeth with tap water, but do not swallow or gargle the water.
- We highly recommend using the Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle, which is really useful when traveling (as you can safely drink from usually non-drinkable sources.
Got travel insurance for Mexico?
Drinking Water in Mexico: Is It Safe?
We appreciate you for taking time to read this guide on drinking water in Mexico.
One of the most popular countries for an exotic vacation, Mexico really does have it all with everything from Caribbean beaches to ancient Mayan temples on offer.
Unfortunately though, it does also have some not-so-nice bacteria and parasites present in the public water, so it’s crucial to follow the tips we’ve outlined in this article so you can stay healthy and happy during your trip.
In this guide we’ve also looked at what to do if you accidentally drink tap water, as well as whether you can brush your teeth with tap water in Mexico.
We suggest reading our guide on How to Not Get Sick in Mexico, where we talk more in-depth about water illnesses as well as how to avoid getting any other infections whilst here.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
“Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”
