Is Colombo Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is treated and generally meets national safety standards but may contain contaminants due to aging infrastructure.
Bottled or filtered water is recommended for drinking to avoid potential microbial or chemical contamination. Boiling tap water improves safety.
Local authorities monitor water quality, but occasional issues with turbidity and microbial presence are reported, especially during heavy rains or pipe leaks.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
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
Main sources of tap water in Colombo are surface water from the Kelani River and its reservoirs, including Labugama and Kalatuwawa.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) treats water from these sources before distribution. Groundwater plays a minor role.
These sources are supplemented by rainwater harvesting and water transfers during dry seasons to maintain supply reliability in Colombo.
Colombo Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Colombo may not consistently meet safety standards due to possible contamination from inadequate maintenance or water source issues.
Users should exercise caution and consider using bottled or treated water, especially for vulnerable groups like children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Water quality in fountains can vary, so it is advisable to verify local conditions or use alternative safe water sources when available.
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.