Is Santiago de Cali Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Santiago de Cali is generally treated and considered safe to drink within the municipal water system. EMCALI supplies water that is processed to meet Colombia’s drinking water standards.
Water quality can occasionally be affected by heavy rainfall, temporary service interruptions, or old building plumbing. If the water is cloudy, has an unusual odor, or follows a local service interruption, use bottled or boiled water until it runs clear.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Colombia is ranked as number 76 globally with a score of 60.6% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Santiago de Cali, Colombia
Tap water in Santiago de Cali comes primarily from the Cauca River, which supplies the city’s largest treatment facilities, including Puerto Mallarino. Water is drawn from the river, treated by EMCALI, and distributed through the municipal drinking water network.
Additional supplies come from the Cali and Meléndez river watersheds through smaller treatment plants. These rivers originate in the western Andes and provide supplementary surface water for parts of the city.
Santiago de Cali Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Santiago de Cali are not uniformly safe to use. Water supplied through the municipal potable network generally meets Colombian drinking water standards, but fountains can present contamination risks when poorly maintained, dirty, damaged, or connected to an uncertain supply.
Use a fountain only when it is clearly marked for drinking water, clean, functional, and regularly maintained. Avoid fountains with stagnant water, damaged fixtures, unusual odor or color, or no clear indication that the water is potable.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Santiago de Cali. 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.