Is Dhaka Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Dhaka is generally treated but often not safe to drink directly due to contamination risks in distribution. Boiling is recommended.
Contamination sources include old pipes, illegal connections, and poor maintenance, leading to microbial and chemical pollutants in tap water.
Many residents use bottled or filtered water for drinking to avoid waterborne diseases. Local authorities continue efforts to improve water quality infrastructure.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Bangladesh is ranked as number 133 globally with a score of 31.9% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka’s tap water primarily comes from deep tube wells tapping groundwater aquifers beneath the city.
Surface water from the Dhaleshwari and Buriganga rivers is also treated and supplied by the Dhaka WASA.
Groundwater remains the main source due to its availability, but over-extraction has led to concerns about sustainability and water quality.
Dhaka Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Dhaka often have variable water quality and may pose health risks due to contamination.
Maintenance and cleaning are inconsistent, increasing the risk of microbial contamination in these water sources.
Using bottled or filtered water is generally safer than relying on public fountains for drinking water in Dhaka.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Dhaka. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Calcutta
(244 km)
- Kathmandu
(675 km)
- Chiang Mai
(1043 km)
- Agra
(1301 km)
- Delhi
(1423 km)
- New Delhi
(1423 km)
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.