Is Lagos Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Lagos is generally not considered safe to drink untreated. Although water supplied by the Lagos State Water Corporation is treated, aging infrastructure, intermittent supply, illegal connections, and contaminated storage can introduce bacteria and other pollutants.
Drink bottled water from a reputable sealed brand, or boil and filter tap water before drinking. Use treated water for making ice, brushing teeth, and preparing food.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
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
Lagos tap water supplied by the Lagos Water Corporation mainly comes from surface water in the Ogun River system. It is treated at facilities including the Adiyan, Iju, and Akute waterworks before entering the public distribution network.
Many homes and businesses in Lagos instead use groundwater from private boreholes, which is treated on-site or supplied by water vendors. As a result, the source of tap water can vary by neighborhood and building.
Lagos Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Lagos should not be assumed safe unless they are clearly maintained and connected to a treated, continuously monitored water supply. Intermittent supply, storage tanks, and aging plumbing can introduce contamination after treatment.
For safer drinking, use water from an intact sealed bottle or water that has been properly filtered and disinfected. Avoid fountains that are dirty, damaged, poorly maintained, or lacking clear evidence of regular testing.
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. 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.