Is Arusha Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Arusha is treated, but it is not generally considered reliably safe to drink untreated. Water quality can be affected by contamination in distribution pipes, storage tanks, or household plumbing.
Visitors should drink bottled water or use properly maintained filters, and boil tap water before drinking. Use treated water for brushing teeth and making ice unless you are confident in the supply.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Tanzania is ranked as number 156 globally with a score of 20.6% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Arusha, Tanzania
Tap water in Arusha comes mainly from springs and streams on the slopes of Mount Meru, along with groundwater from boreholes. Key surface-water sources include the Usa and Themi river systems.
The Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority collects, treats, and distributes this water through the city network. Treatment generally includes filtration and disinfection before the water reaches customers.
Arusha Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Arusha should not be assumed safe for drinking unless they are clearly marked as treated and maintained by a reliable authority. Water can become contaminated through storage tanks, plumbing, or poor maintenance.
Use sealed bottled water or water that has been boiled, filtered with a certified purifier, or disinfected. Avoid fountains with damaged fixtures, unclear maintenance, or cloudy, unusually colored, or bad-smelling water.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Arusha. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
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.