Is Phnom Penh Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Phnom Penh’s municipal water is treated by the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority and generally meets Cambodian and international drinking-water standards. The utility’s water is considered safe at the treatment plant and within the main distribution network.
However, contamination can occur in old building pipes, rooftop tanks, or household plumbing. Visitors and residents commonly choose filtered or bottled water for drinking, while tap water is generally suitable for bathing, cooking, and brushing teeth.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Cambodia is ranked as number 114 globally with a score of 40% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tap water in Phnom Penh comes mainly from surface water drawn from the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap River. The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority also uses water from connected waterways, including the Bassac River, to support the city’s supply.
The water is processed at municipal treatment plants before entering the distribution network. Treatment includes filtration and disinfection to meet Cambodia’s drinking water standards.
Phnom Penh Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Phnom Penh are generally not considered reliably safe for drinking because water quality and fountain maintenance can vary. Travelers should avoid untreated fountain water unless the fountain clearly uses a maintained filtration or purification system.
Choose sealed bottled water or water from a reputable filtered dispenser instead. Do not drink tap water directly, and use treated water for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Phnom Penh. 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.