Is Cabo Verde Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Cabo Verde is treated, especially in major towns and tourist areas, but it is not consistently reliable for drinking. Water quality can vary because of aging infrastructure, storage tanks, and intermittent supply.
Visitors should drink bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water. Use safe water for brushing teeth, making ice, and preparing food, particularly outside established hotels and resorts.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Guinea-Bissau is ranked as number 161 globally with a score of 19.8% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau
In Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, tap water generally comes from groundwater obtained through boreholes and wells. The water is pumped to local storage tanks or directly into small distribution networks.
Water supplies may receive basic treatment before distribution, but coverage is limited. Many households also use community wells, hand pumps, or bottled water when piped service is unavailable.
Cabo Verde Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Cabo Verde are not consistently safe to use because water quality and fountain maintenance can vary. Use them only when clearly marked as potable and well maintained.
For routine drinking, choose sealed bottled water or water from a trusted treated supply. Avoid fountains with cloudy water, unusual taste or odor, damaged fixtures, or poor surrounding hygiene.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Cabo Verde. 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.