Is Cape Town Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

Tap water in Cape Town, South Africa, generally meets national and international safety standards for drinking water. It is treated and regularly tested.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

However, occasional issues with water quality have occurred, especially during droughts or infrastructure problems. Residents are advised to check local advisories.

Using a home filter can provide extra safety. Visitors and sensitive individuals should consider bottled water if concerned about taste or specific contaminants.

Last checked: 2025-04-25

South Africa is ranked as number 144 globally with a score of 25.3% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town's tap water primarily comes from six major dams within the Western Cape Water Supply System.

These dams collect rainfall from the surrounding mountains, including Table Mountain and the Hottentots-Holland range.

Supplementary sources include groundwater and water reuse schemes to support the city during dry periods or droughts.

Cape Town Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Cape Town are generally maintained to provide safe drinking water.

However, water quality may vary depending on maintenance and local infrastructure conditions.

Using personal water bottles or filtered water is recommended for those concerned about hygiene or water quality.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Cape Town. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

Nearby Places

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.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Cape Town is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.