Can you Drink the Water in Playa del Carmen?

Can you drink the water in Playa del Carmen?

One of the most popular towns you can visit in Mexico, Playa del Carmen has many awesome things that you can see and do.

However you may be wondering whether it is safe to drink the water here, which is important to know since many travellers do end up getting sick on their trips throughout Mexico.

In this guide we’ll explore whether it’s safe to drink tap water in Playa del Carmen.

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 of staying healthy from possible waterborne illnesses.

Can You Drink the Water in Playa del Carmen?

Quick Answer: Yes and no! Whilst drinking the water in Mexico is a strict no-no throughout the country, it’s a little different in Playa del Carmen – and depends completely on where you are staying.

For example if you are staying in a resort or hotel in the area of Playacar (slightly further south although still part of Playa del Carmen), then the water is well treated and safe for consumption in most hotels.

However, for the rest of Playa del Carmen, you’ll want to avoid drinking tap water since it’s unlikely that it will be treated. You’ll instead want to only drink from sealed bottles of water that you can pick up from any Oxxo or local convenience store.

Do people from Mexico drink tap water?

Again it really depends on the area since Mexico is pretty big, although those that do will first boil the tap water in order to guarantee safe consumption.

The majority of locals in Mexico will also buy bottled water, unless living in a more developed part of a major city where drinking the water is safe (such as within the nicer neighbourhoods of Mexico City and Guadalajara).

What happens if you accidentally drink tap water in Playa del Carmen?

If you accidentally drink the tap water then it would be wise to head to a pharmacy in case you start feeling ill. This way you can avoid getting really sick, and also get any required medication if things do get worse.

It’s also important to know how much you may have consumed. If it was a little bit such as when you brushed your teeth then you may be fine (at worse you might have a little stomach pain), however if you drank a full glass then there’s a much higher chance you’ll get ill.

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Playa del Carmen?

It’s safe to brush your teeth using tap water in Playa del Carmen, however you’ll of course want to avoid drinking large amounts of water when doing so (which is quite easy to avoid anyhow).

This also means you’ll want to be careful and avoid gargling if possible – if this is something that you tend to do. A better alternative would be to buy tap water to gargle with once you have finished brushing.

Overall though using tap water to brush your teeth is fine as long as you take care not to swallow excessive amounts of water.

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Our suggestions for drinking water in Playa del Carmen

Here are some of our top water tips for those who are heading to Playa del Carmen:

• Buy and only drink from sealed bottles of water from an Oxxo or any other convenience store.
• If staying in a nicer hotel (such as in Playacar) then you may be able to drink the tap water – however you’ll want to ask before and only do so at your own discretion.
• It’s fine to brush your teeth with tap water, however avoid swallowing or gargling (instead gargle with bottled water after brushing).

Don’t get ice in your drink from local restaurants, and avoid eating raw vegetables or salads (since they may have been washed with tap water prior).

We highly recommend using the Grayl UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle, which is especially useful for when you head on longer day trips into the outer Riviera Maya region from Playa del Carmen.

Drinking Water in Playa del Carmen: Is It Safe?

And that’s all for this guide on wheter or not it is safe to drink the water in Playa del Carmen.

Known for its lively atmosphere, hot beach temperatures and an abundance of nearby things to see and do, Playa del Carmen is a rightful staple along any trip through Mexico.

When it comes to drinking water you’ll want to be cautious, and follow the tips outlined in this article. This way you’ll avoid getting any stomach troubles while in Mexico, and can fully enjoy your trip without any mishaps.

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 Playa del Carmen.

Be sure to read our Backpacking Riviera Maya Itinerary for more ideas on what to see and do in this stunning Mexican region.

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