Is Malé Tap Water Safe To Drink?

No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.

Tap water in Malé, Maldives, is generally treated and supplied by the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC). It undergoes desalination and treatment processes.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

However, due to aging infrastructure and occasional contamination risks, locals and tourists often prefer bottled or boiled water for drinking.

The government advises consuming bottled or properly treated water to avoid potential health risks. Always check recent local water quality reports for updates.

Last checked: 2025-04-25

Maldives is ranked as number 97 globally with a score of 51.9% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in Malé, Maldives

The main source of tap water in Malé is seawater, which is treated through desalination processes. Reverse osmosis is commonly used to remove salt and impurities.

Supplementary sources include limited groundwater extraction, though this is minimal due to contamination risks and low freshwater availability on the island.

Desalinated water is then treated and distributed by the Malé Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) to meet the city's potable water needs.

Malé Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Malé provide water treated through desalination and purification processes. They are generally intended to be safe for drinking.

However, maintenance and hygiene vary, so users should exercise caution, especially during infrastructure issues or after heavy rains.

When in doubt, using bottled or boiled water is advised to avoid potential contamination risks from public fountains.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Malé. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

Nearby Places

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.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Malé is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.