The tap water in French Guiana is often untreated or poorly regulated—avoid drinking it directly.
French Guiana’s tropical climate and heavy rainfall can cause overflow in sanitation systems, increasing the risk of microbial contamination. Even treated water may be unsafe if storage and delivery are compromised.
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
Even if you only use it once or twice, a solid filter bottle can more than pay for itself—by saving you from buying bottled water at airports, hotels, or tourist shops. We don’t sell any products, but we’ve researched and reviewed top-performing filter bottles that travelers consistently trust to stay healthy, hydrated, and plastic-free. You can explore our best picks 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 French Guiana, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in French Guiana
In the Amazon region of French Guiana, many Indigenous communities rely on rivers and streams for their water. In the village of Favard, a new water treatment plant was recently installed, giving residents year-round access to safe drinking water for the first time.
FAQs About Tap Water in French Guiana
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
To stay on the safe side, use bottled water to brush your teeth—ingesting even a little contaminated water can cause problems.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
As long as you don’t swallow it, using tap water to wash your face is unlikely to cause problems.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
If the tap water isn’t safe to drink, the ice probably isn’t either—so skip it unless you know it’s filtered.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
It’s low risk for external use—just take care to keep your mouth closed and avoid splashing.
Even clean-looking water can be harsh on your skin when you’re abroad. A travel shower filter screws on in seconds and can help. Just check that the showerhead isn’t recessed or built into the wall—you’ll need access to connect it. This one’s a traveler favorite for a reason. Click here to check it out.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Tap water in French Guiana may contain bacteria that stay on the surface of food—filter or bottled water is a safer bet.
Is bottled water expensive in French Guiana?
You can typically find bottled water at local shops or hotels without spending much.
French Guiana shares its borders with Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana, making it a common part of overland trips through the northern edge of South America—be sure to compare tap water quality between them.