Is Ādīs Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is chlorinated and generally meets local safety standards. However, occasional contamination risks exist due to aging infrastructure.
Many residents prefer boiling or using filtration to ensure potability. Bottled water is widely used, especially by visitors, to avoid potential health issues.
Local authorities continue improving water treatment and distribution systems. Travelers should follow updated advisories or use safe water sources to minimize illness risk.
Last checked: 2025-12-29
Ethiopia is ranked as number 165 globally with a score of 18.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Ādīs, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa's tap water mainly comes from surface sources, including the Legedadi and Gefersa reservoirs. These are primary water supply sources.
Groundwater from shallow wells supplements the supply, especially during dry seasons or increased demand. Well water undergoes treatment before distribution.
Water treatment plants chlorinate and treat this raw water to meet safety standards. The city relies on these combined sources for its municipal water system.
Ādīs Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Addis Ababa may not consistently meet safety standards due to maintenance and water quality variability. Caution is advised.
Contamination risks include bacterial presence from poor sanitation or infrastructure issues. Users should consider alternative water sources or purification methods.
Travelers and locals often prefer bottled or treated water. Checking local water quality updates can guide safer hydration choices from public sources.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Ādīs. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
(992 km)
(1200 km)About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.