Can I Drink Tap Water in Cancun?
Caution
Quick Answer
Tap water in Cancun is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled water exclusively for drinking and cooking despite municipal treatment. Hotel water is generally safe for bathing and teeth brushing.
Cancun's tap water is treated with chlorination and filtration according to Mexican standards, but the aging distribution infrastructure and vulnerability of the underlying aquifer to contamination present risks. The Quintana Roo region's karstic terrain allows bacterial and parasitic contamination to infiltrate groundwater supplies. U.S. State Department warns visitors not to drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking and cooking.
Water Quality Details
Cancun's tap water is treated with chlorination and filtration according to Mexican standards, but the aging distribution infrastructure and vulnerability of the underlying aquifer to contamination present risks. The Quintana Roo region's karstic terrain allows bacterial and parasitic contamination to infiltrate groundwater supplies. U.S. State Department warns visitors not to drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for drinking and cooking.
Water sourceGroundwater
HardnessHard
Practical Tips
- Always use bottled water for drinking and cooking
- Ice in hotels and restaurants is made from purified water and is safe
- Hotel Zone generally has better water quality than downtown areas
- Modern resorts have sophisticated internal water purification systems
- Bottled water is available everywhere and inexpensive
Recommended filters: Reverse Osmosis, Activated Carbon, Bottle Filter
Traveler Advice
Risk level: moderate
Diarrhea risk: moderate
As a tourist in Cancun, avoid drinking tap water directly from the tap even in hotels. Use bottled water exclusively for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth if concerned. The water is safe for showering and bathing. Most hotels provide bottled water as part of standard service. Ensure ice served in drinks comes from reputable establishments that use purified water.
Sources & References
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Data confidence: medium
Last updated: 2026-02-22
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