Is Chiang Mai Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
It's not recommended to drink tap water in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as it may contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Tap water in Chiang Mai is not treated to meet international drinking water standards, and contamination is a risk.
Boiled, filtered, or bottled water is the safest choice to avoid waterborne illnesses and ensure good health.
Thailand is ranked as number 100 globally with a score of 51.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai's tap water primarily comes from the Mae Ping River and its tributaries, including the Nam Mae Ping River.
Some tap water also originates from underground sources, such as wells and boreholes, which are managed by the Chiang Mai Municipality.
Additionally, water from the Mae Kuang Dam, located about 20 km northwest of Chiang Mai, is also used to supply tap water.
Chiang Mai Drinking Fountains
Some shopping malls, airports, and tourist information centers in Chiang Mai have safe drinking water fountains or refill stations.
These fountains typically dispense chilled or filtered water that is safe to drink, and they are often well-maintained and monitored.
However, it's always a good idea to check with staff or signs to ensure the water is safe to drink before consuming it.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Chiang Mai. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.