Is Bucaramanga Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Bucaramanga, Colombia, is generally treated and supplied by local utilities meeting national standards. It is considered safe for most residents.
However, occasional issues with contamination or aging infrastructure can occur. Bottled or filtered water is often recommended by locals for sensitive individuals.
Visitors should check recent local advisories or consult hotels. Boiling water is a reliable precaution when tap water safety is uncertain.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Colombia is ranked as number 78 globally with a score of 59.7% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Bucaramanga, Colombia
Bucaramanga’s main tap water sources are surface water from nearby rivers and reservoirs. Primary sources include the Suratá and Sogamoso Rivers.
Water is collected in reservoirs like the Carare and Suratá dams, then treated at local water treatment plants before distribution.
These sources provide the city’s drinking water, managed by the regional utility EMSA to ensure quality and supply reliability.
Bucaramanga Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Bucaramanga may not consistently meet drinking water safety standards. Sanitation and maintenance vary across locations.
Contamination risks include bacteria and pollutants from aging pipes or poor upkeep. Use caution when considering public fountains.
For safe hydration, use bottled water or personal filters. When uncertain, boiling water before drinking is a recommended precaution.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Bucaramanga. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.