Is New Delhi Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in New Delhi often contains contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals, making it generally unsafe for direct drinking without treatment.
Municipal water treatment plants exist, but distribution issues and aging infrastructure can cause recontamination before reaching consumers.
Residents commonly use boiling, filtration, or bottled water to ensure safety. Drinking untreated tap water is not recommended due to health risks.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
India is ranked as number 143 globally with a score of 25.6% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in New Delhi, India
New Delhi’s main tap water sources include the Yamuna River and surface water reservoirs like Bhakra and Hathnikund canals.
Groundwater extraction also supplements supply, especially during peak demand or dry seasons.
Water is treated at multiple plants before distribution, but source pollution and seasonal variations affect quality and availability.
New Delhi Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in New Delhi often lack regular maintenance and sanitation, leading to potential microbial contamination.
Due to water quality concerns, their safety for direct drinking is generally not assured without proper treatment.
Using personal water bottles filled with treated or bottled water is recommended over relying on public fountains.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in New Delhi. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
(426 km)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.