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Is Cartagena Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Do not Drink :(

LAST UPDATED: 7:55 am, May 23, 2022
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Can You Drink Tap Water in Cartagena?

No, tap water is not drinkable.

Tap Safe includes data from many publicly available sources, including the WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Center for Disease Control), and user submitted databases, but unfortunately there's not enough data about Cartagena.

To see user submitted ratings of the water quality for Colombia, see the "User Submitted Ratings" box on this page.

The tap water in most of Colombia’s major cities, including Cartagena, is perfectly safe to drink. If you are still concerned about the water, yet, bottled and purified water is cheap and accessible everywhere. Safe to brush your teeth, safe to wash fruit and veggies with the tap water. You can also use ice to your cocktails.

Cartagena

We know that many tourists can be a little paranoid about drinking tap water anywhere. If you have a sensitive stomach and trying to avoid ruining your short holiday vacation due to an upset tummy, we then recommend a filtered bottle of water.

Source of Water in Cartagena, Colombia

The source of tap water in Cartagena comes from the Canal del Dique, which has an average flow of 450 m 3 / s. That ensures a sufficient supply for the current requirement, which is approximately 2.5 m 3 / s, and Towards a long term future.

Their collection system incorporates in its structure the passage of water from the Canal del Dique through the muddy complex Juan Gómez – Dolores. They facilitate the first process of previous sedimentation and storage with a capacity of approximately 60 days to supply the city, without that the entry of water from the canal is required.

Water quality of the Canal del Dique is that of typically shallow water, with high solids content, color, and presence of microorganisms. There are no elevated levels of other substances of health interest. It is a relatively calm water to treat.

The Cartagena Water Supply, Sewerage, and Environmental Management Project are to develop the water supply and sanitation coverage in the city and enhance the sector services, especially those of the city’s poor neighborhoods. The project components include the expansion of the water supply system, the construction of the leading wastewater conveyance system, and treatment installation.

FAQs about Cartagena Water

Is water safe to drink Cartagena?
As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too.
Is Cartagena Tap Water Safe To Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$0.95 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Cartagena tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 48% Moderate
  • Water Pollution 65% High
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 53% Moderate
  • Water Quality 35% Low

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Cartagena, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Current Weather in Cartagena

CARTAGENA WEATHER

Some of the Convenience Stores in Cartagena

Estrella Azul Convenience Store
Estrella Azul
  • Tienda Las Tablitas
  • LA LEONA DEL CARIBE
  • CARLOS TULIO
  • Supertienda su Casa
  • CM Calidad y Servicio
  • Tienda Zona Verde CARTAGENA
  • Terraza de los Alpes
  • El Guajiro
  • LA ROCHELA
  • La Colonia Paisa
  • Brisas de los Alpes
  • DESECHABLES LA ROCA
  • ESTRELLA AZUL

Estimated Price of Bottled Water

VolumeCOPUSDEURGBP
1.5-literCol$ 2833.33$0.82€0.75£0.66

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