No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Shymkent, Kazakhstan is not recommended for drinking due to potential contamination and poor treatment.
The water infrastructure is old, and distribution networks are prone to leaks, allowing bacteria and pollutants to enter.
It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water to ensure safe and healthy drinking water in Shymkent.
Kazakhstan is ranked as number 49 globally with a score of 73.1% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Shymkent's tap water sources are primarily from the Syr Darya River and local groundwater wells.
The Syr Darya River supplies most of the city's water, with treatment plants providing some level of purification.
Some neighborhoods may also receive water from local wells and springs, but the Syr Darya River is the main source.
There are some safe drinking fountains in Shymkent, but they are not common and often limited to specific areas.
These fountains typically have built-in filtration systems or use bottled water, making the water safe for consumption.
It's still recommended to exercise caution and check the fountain's maintenance and water quality before drinking.