Is Quito Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Quito, Pichincha, is generally treated to Ecuadorian drinking-water standards and is considered safe to drink from the municipal supply. Quito’s water utility disinfects and monitors the system before distribution.
Water quality can decline in older building pipes, rooftop tanks, or during service interruptions. For sensitive travelers, filtered or bottled water is a practical precaution, especially outside central Quito.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Ecuador is ranked as number 69 globally with a score of 64.1% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Quito, Ecuador
Tap water in Quito comes mainly from high Andean páramo watersheds east of the city, including areas around the Antisana and Cayambe-Coca protected areas. Major supply systems include Papallacta, La Mica-Quito Sur, and Pita, which collect water from mountain rivers, streams, and reservoirs.
EPMAPS transports this water to treatment plants in Quito, where it is treated and disinfected before entering the municipal distribution network. Local sources in the Pichincha highlands also supplement the supply, particularly for parts of the metropolitan district.
Quito Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Quito are generally safe when they are clearly marked for drinking water, connected to the treated municipal supply, and regularly cleaned and maintained. Ecuador’s drinking water standards require water supplied for public consumption to meet microbiological and chemical safety limits.
Avoid fountains that are damaged, dirty, unused, or lack clear potable-water signage, because the fountain fixture and storage system can become contaminated even when the source water is treated. When the maintenance status is uncertain, use sealed bottled water or properly treated tap water instead.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Quito. 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.
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.