Tap water in India is not suitable for consumption without proper treatment.
India’s water infrastructure varies widely, and while some cities treat their supply, recontamination through pipes and tanks is a common issue. Even locals often filter or boil their water at home.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
Source: CDC Travelers’ Health, WHO water safety reports, and regional public health agencies.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
We’ve evaluated the best filter bottles for travelers using real user reviews, lab data, and product performance. They’re ideal for staying healthy, limiting plastic use, and avoiding daily bottled water expenses—and if you want to bring one on your next trip, you’ll find our trusted picks listed below.
Health Risks for Travelers
Even if the tap water is safe for residents, foreign travelers often face higher health risks due to exposure to unfamiliar organisms and differing hygiene standards.
You may be exposed to:
- Bacteria like E. coli, causing traveler’s diarrhea
- Parasites such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, from untreated or contaminated water sources
- Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A, spread through unclean water systems
- In some countries, chemical toxins from old pipes or agricultural runoff
Contamination is most common in:
- Regions without consistent municipal treatment
- Areas impacted by seasonal flooding or unreliable sanitation
- Buildings with aging infrastructure or poorly maintained tanks
Remember: clear water isn’t always safe water. Invisible contaminants can still cause serious issues, from mild digestive discomfort to prolonged illness.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in India, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in India
In rural parts of India, traditional water treatment methods like sand and gravel filtration followed by boiling are still widely used. New innovations are also emerging—like a low-cost device developed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Information Technology in Allahabad, which purifies water without replaceable filters, making it ideal for rural clinics. Technologies like LifeStraw® and ceramic filters are also common in communities without access to piped water.
FAQs About Tap Water in India
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Using tap water to brush your teeth could expose you to local bacteria your body isn’t used to—better to be cautious.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
Unless your skin is extra sensitive, rinsing your face with tap water in India is unlikely to cause harm.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Only use ice from places where they clearly use purified water or commercial ice machines with clean sources.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Most people shower without issues, but be cautious not to get water in your mouth or eyes.
Sometimes hotel water can be hard on your hair or skin. A lightweight shower filter is easy to bring along and simple to install—if the showerhead’s exposed. Built-in showers don’t give you that option. According to most users, this is the go-to choice. Check the latest price here.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Many travelers use bottled water to rinse fresh produce, especially in areas without strong water treatment systems.
Is bottled water expensive in India?
It’s an inexpensive way to avoid the much bigger cost of getting sick during your trip.
India is often part of a broader South Asia journey including Pakistan, Nepal, or Bangladesh. If you’re traveling overland or regionally, check the water safety in each country.