Is Santiago Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Santiago, Chile, meets national and international safety standards for potable water. It is generally treated and monitored by water authorities.
However, some residents prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste or old pipe concerns, not safety. Occasional localized issues may occur.
For visitors, tap water is considered safe to drink. Using standard household filters can improve taste and reduce minor contaminants if desired.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Chile is ranked as number 35 globally with a score of 80.1% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Santiago, Chile
Santiago's tap water primarily comes from the Maipo River basin, which supplies surface water treated for distribution. Groundwater supplements supply.
Snowmelt from the Andes Mountains significantly contributes to the Maipo River flow, supporting Santiago’s water needs, especially during dry seasons.
Water treatment plants in Santiago use coagulation, filtration, and disinfection to ensure water safety before distribution to consumers.
Santiago Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Santiago may vary in maintenance and cleanliness. Not all are regularly sanitized or monitored for water quality.
While the water source is safe, fountain hygiene can be inconsistent, posing potential health risks from surface contamination.
Using bottled or filtered water is generally recommended over public fountains to ensure safe drinking water in Santiago.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Santiago. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.