No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Antofagasta, Chile is generally considered safe to drink, meeting national and international standards.
However, occasional contamination incidents can occur, so it's recommended to take precautions, such as boiling or filtering water.
To ensure safety, it's best to check with local authorities or your hotel for the latest information on tap water quality.
Chile is ranked as number 35 globally with a score of 80.1% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Antofagasta's tap water primarily comes from desalination plants, treating seawater from the Pacific Ocean to produce potable water.
Additionally, some tap water is sourced from underground aquifers, which are recharged by rainfall and natural filtration processes.
The desalination plants and aquifer sources are operated and managed by Essbio, the local water utility company.
Yes, many public drinking fountains in Antofagasta are safe to use, offering free and potable water to locals and tourists.
These fountains are connected to the municipal water supply, which is treated and monitored to ensure it meets quality standards.
However, it's still recommended to visually inspect the fountain's condition and check for any signs of maintenance or warnings before drinking.