Is Rio de Janeiro Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Rio de Janeiro is treated and meets national standards, but quality can vary depending on location and infrastructure.
It's generally recommended to avoid drinking tap water in Rio, especially for tourists, due to risk of waterborne illnesses.
Bottled or filtered water is a safer choice to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip to Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil is ranked as number 79 globally with a score of 59.4% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's tap water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in the surrounding mountains, including the Guandu River and Lake Paulo Ramos.
Water is also sourced from the Rio Grande and Paraíba do Sul rivers, as well as underground aquifers and springs.
The main water treatment plants in Rio are located in Santa Cruz, Pedra de Guaratiba, and Ilha do Governador.
Rio de Janeiro Drinking Fountains
Some public fountains and drinking water stations in Rio de Janeiro are safe and regularly tested for quality.
These fountains are typically marked as "água potável" or "beber" and are commonly found in airports, bus stations, and public buildings.
It's still recommended to exercise caution and check the fountain's maintenance and signage before consuming the water.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Rio de Janeiro. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.