Is Colombo Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Colombo, Sri Lanka is not recommended for drinking due to possible contamination.
Water quality can vary, and risks include bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, as well as chemical pollutants.
It's best to drink bottled or filtered water to ensure safety and avoid waterborne diseases.
Sri Lanka is ranked as number 94 globally with a score of 53.7% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo's tap water primarily comes from rivers, such as the Kelani River and the Ruwanwella River.
Additionally, water is sourced from reservoirs, including the Parakrama Samudra and the Kotmale Dam.
Treated groundwater from wells and tube wells also contributes to the city's tap water supply.
Colombo Drinking Fountains
Some public drinking fountains in Colombo are safe, but it's difficult to identify which ones.
Fountains in tourist areas, malls, and hotels are more likely to be safe, as they are regularly maintained.
It's still recommended to use caution and look for signs of proper maintenance before drinking from public fountains.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Colombo. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.