Avoid drinking the tap water in Equatorial Guinea—it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
Water treatment infrastructure in Equatorial Guinea is limited, and heavy rainfall often overwhelms sanitation systems. This raises the risk of waterborne illness, particularly for travelers not used to local bacteria.
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
Based on guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local water authorities in Equatorial Guinea.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
Not sure about the water where you’re going? We’ve researched the most reliable filter bottles for travel—safe, effective, and used by thousands of travelers around the world. They offer protection from bacteria, help reduce your environmental footprint, and save you from overpaying for bottled water, so you’ll find our top recommendations just below.
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- Dwellings with outdated plumbing systems or neglected storage tanks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 Equatorial Guinea, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Equatorial Guinea
Access to safe drinking water is limited in Equatorial Guinea, especially outside urban areas. Projects have been launched to improve the situation, including drilling 50 new wells and building 100 latrines. But water quality remains a challenge, and only a small percentage of the population has access to fully managed drinking water services.
FAQs About Tap Water in Equatorial Guinea
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
To avoid any digestive issues, it’s safer to use clean, filtered water for brushing your teeth in Equatorial Guinea.
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?
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?
The water may not be drinkable, but it’s still safe enough for showers and basic hygiene.
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?
Unless you’re going to peel or boil it, washing food in unsafe tap water could still carry a risk.
Is bottled water expensive in Equatorial Guinea?
While prices vary by region, bottled water is usually a budget-friendly option in Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea is often part of a coastal or regional West-Central Africa itinerary. If that’s your route, take time to review conditions in Cameroon, Gabon, or São Tomé and Príncipe.