Is Papeete Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Papeete, French Polynesia is generally treated and considered safe to drink by local authorities. It undergoes filtration and chlorination.
However, occasional advisories may occur due to contamination risks from weather events or infrastructure issues. Checking local updates is recommended.
For visitors, bottled water is commonly preferred to avoid stomach issues. Residents typically consume tap water without reported widespread health problems.
Last checked: 2025-05-24
Source of Water in Papeete,
Tap water in Papeete primarily comes from groundwater, extracted from aquifers beneath Tahiti island. Wells and boreholes are used for extraction.
Surface water from rivers and streams supplements supply, collected in reservoirs during the rainy season. This source is treated before distribution.
Desalination plants provide additional potable water, especially during dry periods or high demand. Water is then treated to meet safety standards before use.
Papeete Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Papeete are generally connected to treated municipal water, making them safe under normal conditions.
However, maintenance and hygiene vary; some fountains may have bacterial contamination or mechanical issues, so caution is advised.
Using bottled water or personal water containers is often recommended for visitors to avoid potential health risks from public fountains.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Papeete. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Haapiti
(32 km)
- Fare
(180 km)
- Bora Bora
(257 km)
- Auckland
(4093 km)
- Wellington
(4297 km)
- Gold Coast
(5907 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.