Is Harare Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Harare is not consistently safe to drink untreated. Water quality can be affected by treatment problems, pipe damage, supply interruptions, and contamination in household storage tanks.
Boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking, or use a properly maintained filter certified to remove bacteria and parasites. Bottled water from sealed containers is another safer option, especially during service disruptions or after heavy rainfall.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Zimbabwe is ranked as number 163 globally with a score of 19.5% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare’s tap water mainly comes from Lake Chivero, which is fed by the Manyame River. Water is also supplied from nearby reservoirs, including Seke and Harava dams.
The raw water is treated at the Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward water treatment plants before entering the city’s distribution network. Treatment includes filtration and disinfection to make the water suitable for drinking.
Harare Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Harare are not consistently safe to use because maintenance, water interruptions, and contamination from aging pipes or storage tanks can affect water quality. Treat fountain water as unsafe unless the fountain is clearly maintained and supplied by a verified potable water system.
Use sealed bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute before drinking. Do not drink from fountains that are dirty, damaged, stagnant, or connected to an uncertain water source.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Harare. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
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.