Is Kinshasa Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
No, it's not recommended to drink tap water in Kinshasa, DR Congo, due to inconsistent water treatment and distribution.
Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea are common, and tap water may contain contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.
It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water, or boil tap water before consumption to ensure safety and avoid health risks.
DR Congo is ranked as number 142 globally with a score of 25.7% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Kinshasa, DR Congo
Kinshasa's tap water primarily comes from the Congo River, which is prone to pollution and microbiological contamination.
The city's water treatment plants also draw water from other sources, including the Funa River and local aquifers.
However, the supply system is often compromised by aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and illegal connections, affecting water quality.
Kinshasa Drinking Fountains
There are few, if any, safe drinking fountains in Kinshasa, as most public water sources are not regularly tested or maintained.
Even fewer fountains are designed for human consumption, and those that exist may not meet international health standards.
It's generally best to avoid drinking from public fountains and instead opt for bottled or filtered water to ensure safety.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Kinshasa. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.