In Mauritius, public tap water doesn’t meet international safety standards for drinking.
In Mauritius, while water is treated, the delivery system may expose it to bacteria or sediment before reaching taps. Both locals and tourists often use alternative drinking sources.
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
This advice is supported by CDC and WHO health recommendations, plus local water quality data.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
We’ve taken a close look at dozens of travel water filter bottles—comparing them on filtration quality, traveler convenience, durability, and packability. The ones we recommend make it easy to drink safely from taps, fountains, or even rivers, without relying on disposable plastic or constantly buying bottled water. You’ll find our top selections just below, based on what actually works for real-world travelers.
Health Risks for Travelers
Travelers may be at risk of water-related illnesses, even though locals seem unaffected. This is often due to differences in gut flora, immune response, and exposure to local pathogens.
- Health risks from unsafe drinking water may include:
- Acute diarrheal disease caused by E. coli
- Parasitic infections like giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis
- Viral illnesses such as hepatitis A, especially in areas with poor wastewater management
- Toxic exposure to heavy metals or residual industrial waste
Contamination is more likely in:
- Villages or isolated areas with untreated surface water
- Places where flooding or poor infrastructure compromises sanitation
- Dwellings with outdated plumbing systems or neglected storage tanks
Clear water isn’t always clean water—invisible pathogens, bacteria, and pollutants can pose serious travel health hazards if consumed unfiltered.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Mauritius, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Mauritius
Even though Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches, the island faces water management challenges. In urban areas like Port Louis, nitrogen pollution in waterways is an increasing problem—partly due to illegal waste dumping and farming. To tackle this, advanced purification methods like reverse osmosis are being used. Many hotels and local accommodations also have their own filtration systems to provide guests with clean drinking water.
FAQs About Tap Water in Mauritius
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Brushing your teeth with tap water in Mauritius isn’t recommended, especially if you’re not used to the local microbes.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
Washing your face is low risk, but if your skin is sensitive or broken, using filtered water might be safer.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Ice can carry the same risks as drinking the water directly, so only use it if you’re sure it’s safe.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Even if the water isn’t drinkable, it’s usually fine for washing your body.
Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A small shower filter is easy to pack and can make a big difference for your skin and hair. Just make sure the shower has a standard connection point—some are built in and can’t be modified. Most travelers recommend this travel-friendly filter. Check today’s best price here.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
It’s safer to rinse produce with bottled or filtered water, especially if you plan to eat it raw.
Is bottled water expensive in Mauritius?
It’s an inexpensive way to avoid the much bigger cost of getting sick during your trip.
Mauritius is frequently combined with Réunion, Madagascar, or Seychelles during Indian Ocean travels. Tap water treatment may differ between islands.