Is Espargos Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Espargos, Cape Verde, is generally chlorinated but may not meet all international drinking water standards. Boiling is recommended before drinking.
Local water sources face challenges like salinity and contamination from old infrastructure. Bottled water is commonly used by residents and visitors for safety.
Health authorities advise caution due to occasional reports of waterborne illnesses. Travelers should rely on treated or bottled water to avoid potential risks.
Last checked: 2025-08-17
Source of Water in Espargos, Cabo Verde
Tap water in Espargos primarily comes from desalinated seawater processed at local plants. This addresses the island's limited freshwater resources.
Additional sources include groundwater extracted from wells. However, this water often requires treatment due to salinity and contamination concerns.
Rainwater harvesting is limited but sometimes supplements supply. The municipality invests in infrastructure to improve water quality and availability.
Espargos Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Espargos are not consistently monitored for water quality. Their safety for direct consumption is uncertain.
Due to potential contamination and infrastructure issues, using fountain water without treatment carries health risks. Boiling or filtering is advised.
Visitors and locals commonly prefer bottled or treated water to avoid waterborne illnesses linked to untreated fountain water.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Espargos. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Tarrafal
(185 km)
- Praia
(211 km)
- Freetown
(1397 km)
- Maspalomas
(1438 km)
- Playa del Ingles
(1438 km)
- Tenerife
(1471 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.