When visiting a new city, town, or destination, one of the main things we wonder about is the source of drinking water. After all, it’s one of the essential things we need daily. As such, if you’re planning to visit Mexico City, you may wonder if it’s safe for you to drink water in Mexico City.
We strongly advise against drinking tap water in Mexico City. While the city has a reliable and safe source of tap water, the pipes where the waters go through are questionable. As such, we suggest sticking to bottled and purified water to stay safe throughout your vacation in the city.
Most of us are used to drinking tap water at home, especially since we know the source and the waterways are clean, and we’re used to it. However, when traveling, the last thing we want is to have health problems because of drinking water. As such, if you’re wondering about the water in Mexico City, this article is for you.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the drinking water of Mexico City. This way, you can know what to expect about the water in the city and learn if it’s safe for drinking or other uses. We’ll also cover the city’s best sources of safe drinking water.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Can You Drink the Water in Mexico City?
Technically, you can drink the water in Mexico City. However, we strongly advise against it since it’s not safe. While Mexico City has a purified water source, the distribution remains questionable.
In worst cases, the pipes can be contaminated and affect the safety of the water for drinking. For this reason, it’s best to play it safe by avoiding tap water for consumption. Generally, it’s best to keep drinking bottled water throughout your stay in Mexico City.
How Safe Is Mexico City’s Water?
The tap water in Mexico City isn’t considered safe for consumption, and it’s because of the waterways that distribute it to consumers.
The same thing applies to all areas of the city. As a tourist, you’re not used to the elements and contents of the water in the city. As such, even tap water can upset your stomach if you have a sensitive digestive system.
Now, while some Mexican locals drink tap water and nothing happens to them, it doesn’t mean it applies to you. Unlike tourists, these citizens drink tap water daily. As such, they are used to it.
On the other hand, a sudden change in the properties of water can affect your digestion. Therefore, to stay safe, we recommend you keep drinking purified or bottled water throughout your stay in the city.
Sources of Mexico City’s Water
The primary source of Mexico City’s water comes from the underground aquifer and reservoirs several kilometers away. This source serves all the areas of the city, which houses more than 20 million residents.
While the reservoirs and aquifers offer safe drinking water, the pipes that distribute these waters may cause contamination. As such, it’s always best to stay safe by drinking purified or bottled water.
Most locals source their drinking water from water stations. They buy water packed in five-gallon containers. Such containers are refilled and delivered to their homes.
On the other hand, some locals use water filters on their faucets to filter out the water, making them safe for consumption. However, it’s pretty unusual for Mexicans to have such.
Now, when it comes to hotels, the source of drinking water is bottled water and water-refilling stations to accommodate their customers.
Most establishments take the extra mile by covering complimentary drinking water for their guests to ensure they don’t drink tap water.
Some hotels might provide bottled water in the rooms upon entry. Most hotels offer it complimentary, while others charge for it when you consume the water.
If you’re out, you can always buy drinking water in convenience stores, local stores, groceries, restaurants, and other establishments. You can even find cheap water bottles from road and street vendors.
If you’re wondering about the ice used in drinks, you can ensure that most establishments use purified water to make the ice. As such, they are safe to consume and mix with your drinks.
What Happens if You Drink Tap Water in Mexico City?
Although tap water in Mexico City isn’t safe for drinking, it doesn’t mean you’ll get sick. In most cases, nothing will happen to you. However, it’s a risk to take if you have a sensitive stomach and quickly get upset after drinking water from an unfamiliar location.
Now, the city receives millions of visitors every year. Some of them drink tap water, and only a few get sick.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean you have to risk your health and drink tap water. As always, it’s best to avoid the risks involved. After all, the last thing you’ll want is to ruin your vacation because of an upset stomach by drinking tap water.
Where Can I Buy Bottled Water in Mexico City?
Now, if you’re planning to stick to bottled water while in Mexico City, you can find one in every store. The good thing about bottled water is that they are readily available and affordable.
Generally, you can order them in restaurants by saying agua pura or un bote de agua pura. Bottled waters are available in 500 ml, 1 liter, and other sizes. You can also enjoy different brands of water.
Is Bottled Water Expensive in Mexico City?
As mentioned earlier, bottled water in Mexico City isn’t expensive. You can generally find one at around 12 MXN, which is around 0.6 USD. As such, you can buy one whenever possible since it’s affordable and accessible. Moreover, it’s safe for consumption.
Can I Use Tap Water for Cooking in Mexico City?
Now, while you cannot consume tap water in Mexico City, they are safe for cooking. As long as the tap water comes to a boil, you can consider it safe for consumption since the heat kills the bacteria.
Can You Brush Your Teeth with Mexico City Water?
Besides cooking, the tap water in Mexico City also serves other purposes. For instance, you can use tap water to brush your teeth since you’re generally not consuming such.
Most locals use tap water to clean and brush their teeth with it. But, of course, as long as you rinse and spit the water, you’re safe to use such. You can also use it for washing and bathing purposes.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, tap water in Mexico City isn’t safe for consumption. As such, we don’t recommend using such for consumption. However, it’s still safe for several uses, such as cleaning and bathing. As always, the last thing you’ll want is to have a health-related problem because of tap water. As such, we recommend sticking to bottled or purified water for all your consumption needs.
