Is Lagos Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Lagos, Nigeria, is generally not considered safe to drink without treatment. It often contains contaminants from aging infrastructure and pollution.
Many residents rely on bottled water or home filtration systems to ensure safety. Boiling tap water is also commonly recommended to reduce microbial risks.
Water quality varies by location and source. Lagos State Water Corporation works on improving supply, but caution is advised before drinking tap water directly.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Nigeria is ranked as number 175 globally with a score of 14.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Lagos, Nigeria
Main sources of tap water in Lagos include surface water from reservoirs like the Owode and Adiyan dams. These supply treated water to the city.
Groundwater from boreholes and wells supplements surface water but varies in quality and quantity across Lagos. It often requires treatment before use.
Water treatment plants operated by Lagos State Water Corporation process these sources, aiming to provide potable water, though distribution challenges affect overall water quality.
Lagos Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Lagos often lack regular maintenance and proper sanitation, posing potential health risks. Their safety cannot be guaranteed.
Contamination risks include microbial pathogens and pollutants due to infrastructure issues and environmental factors, making fountains unsafe without testing or treatment.
Users are advised to avoid direct consumption from fountains and use bottled or treated water instead to prevent waterborne illnesses.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Lagos. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.