Is Guápiles Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Guápiles, Costa Rica, generally meets national safety standards set by the Ministry of Health. It is treated and monitored regularly.
However, occasional contamination can occur, especially in rural areas or during heavy rains, so locals often prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking.
Visitors are advised to use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking to avoid potential gastrointestinal issues. Check local updates for current water quality reports.
Last checked: 2026-01-02
Costa Rica is ranked as number 64 globally with a score of 66.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Guápiles, Costa Rica
The main source of tap water in Guápiles is surface water from nearby rivers and streams, particularly the Reventazón River basin.
Water is collected, treated, and distributed by the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA).
Groundwater may supplement supply, but surface water remains the primary source for the region's public water system.
Guápiles Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Guápiles may not always be reliably safe due to varying maintenance and potential contamination risks.
Users are generally advised to avoid drinking directly from these fountains without prior confirmation of water quality.
Using bottled or treated water is recommended to prevent waterborne illnesses when accessing public fountains.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Guápiles. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Uvita
(37 km)
- San José
(45 km)
- Rivas
(89 km)
- San Andrés
(347 km)
- Chitré
(445 km)
- Panama City
(486 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.