Bolivia's Tap Water: Safe To Drink?

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, and one of the poorest countries in the Americas. It has a rich indigenous heritage and culture, and its people are proud of their roots. While the country has made significant strides in recent years, with GDP per capita doubling between 2006 and 2014, and the extreme poverty rate declining from 38% to 18% in the same period, it still faces several challenges, including inadequate access to clean water. So, can you drink tap water in Bolivia? The short answer is no. While the tap water in some Bolivian cities and towns is chlorinated, it is not considered safe to drink due to various contaminants and the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.

Tap water in Bolivia is contaminated with heavy metals from mining operations

Bolivia is considered one of the poorest countries in the Americas, and health issues are a major concern for those travelling to the country. One of the main questions that arise is whether the drinking water in Bolivia is safe. While each country treats their water through chemical purification processes that ensure clean running water in urban areas, and Bolivia is no exception, the treatment of water itself is not enough to ensure the water is clean enough to drink. Many smaller, Bolivian communities suffer from gastrointestinal illnesses as a result of a lack of clean water.

Another major risk to the quality of water in Bolivia is the mining industry. The South American country has a rich history of mining; the Incas mined gold and silver, and when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, large-scale mining began. Today, gold, silver, tin, zinc, antimony, arsenic, cadmium and other metals are still mined intensively. However, mining is one of the most highly polluting of all human activities.

The impact of mining on water sources in Bolivia is evident in the Milluni and Guadalquivir basins. These natural water sources for the supply of the studied areas have been affected by the presence of some toxic heavy metals. In the Milluni basin, the metals found were arsenic, chromium, mercury, manganese, iron, zinc, and tin, and there were also acidic pH values and high conductivities. The metals found in the Guadalquivir basin were lead, iron, and manganese; however, the pH ranges remained close to neutrality, which shows that the concentration of metals would not be excessive.

Mining activities in Bolivia have also led to high levels of mercury in the water. Mercury is used in the gold mining process, and Bolivia is now the world's biggest importer of the toxic substance. While miners are making a living, they are also dispersing mercury through the air, water, and soil. Mercury ends up in human bodies when miners, most of whom work without protective masks, vaporize mercury and inhale the fumes. It can also enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food and water.

In conclusion, tap water in Bolivia is contaminated with heavy metals from mining operations, and it is generally not considered safe to drink.

Boiling water for 5-10 minutes is the best way to treat water for drinking

Tap water in Bolivia is not considered safe to drink. Even though the water may appear clean, it is likely to contain harmful microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other health issues. While some people do drink the tap water in Bolivia and never get sick, it is not worth risking your health.

The best way to treat water for drinking is by boiling it. Boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes is an effective way to kill bacteria and other organisms that may be present. At altitudes above 5,000 or 6,500 feet, it is recommended to boil water for at least 3 minutes. Boiling water is a simple and inexpensive method of water purification that does not require any special equipment. It is important to let the boiled water cool down before drinking it.

In addition to boiling, there are other ways to treat water, such as using chemical disinfectants like bleach, iodine, or chlorine dioxide tablets. These methods can kill most germs, but they may not be as effective as boiling for removing certain parasites. It is also important to note that boiling or disinfection will not remove heavy metals, salts, or most other chemicals from the water.

Another option is to use a water filter, which can remove parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. However, most portable water filters do not remove viruses or bacteria, so it is recommended to add a disinfectant to the filtered water. Bottled water is also widely available in Bolivia, but it is important to check that the seal is intact as refilling bottles with tap water is not uncommon.

Overall, boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes is a reliable and accessible way to treat water for drinking, especially for travellers or those without access to safe, treated water.

Bottled water is the safest option, but check the seal is intact

While tap water in Bolivia is chlorinated in some cities and towns, it is not safe to drink. The water in Bolivia is contaminated with harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and other dangerous contaminants. As such, it is best to avoid drinking tap water entirely.

The safest option is to drink bottled water, which can be found throughout the country. However, it is important to check that the seal on the bottle is intact, as it is not unheard of for street and store vendors to simply refill the bottles with tap water.

While bottled water is the safest option, it is important to be mindful of the environmental impact of plastic bottles. If you are concerned about plastic pollution, you can purchase large returnable jugs of water, which are commonly used by residents in Bolivia. These jugs can be returned and refilled, reducing plastic waste.

Another option for ensuring safe drinking water is to treat the water yourself. Boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes is an effective way to kill bacteria and other organisms. Alternatively, you can treat water with bleach or water purification drops. However, these methods may not remove all contaminants, and boiling water can be time-consuming.

In addition to avoiding tap water, it is recommended to avoid ice cubes in drinks and raw foods like salads and raw fish. It is also suggested to brush your teeth with bottled water to avoid any accidental consumption of tap water.

Around 86% of the population has access to safe drinking water

Bolivia is considered one of the poorest countries in the Americas, and as a result, health issues are a major concern for those travelling to the country. One of the main questions that arise is whether or not the drinking water in Bolivia is safe.

The quality of water in Bolivia varies depending on the region. The water in Santa Cruz, for example, is considered safe to drink and has been tested as some of the cleanest water in South America. On the other hand, the water in cities like La Paz and Cochabamba is not considered very clean, and residents in these areas often boil and/or filter their water. The rural regions of Bolivia have lower access to drinking water, with only 76% of the rural population having access to "improved" water in 2015.

The main reasons for the lack of access to safe drinking water in Bolivia include political and institutional instability, low investment in the water sector, and the impact of climate change, such as shrinking glaciers and extreme droughts. Additionally, the country's large mining operations contribute to water contamination, as rivers flowing through these mines carry residual waste, resulting in high levels of heavy metals in the water.

The Bolivian Constitution declared access to drinking water a human right in 2009

Bolivia is considered one of the poorest countries in the Americas, and its drinking water quality is a major concern for locals and visitors alike. In 2009, the Bolivian Constitution officially declared access to drinking water and sanitation a human right. This landmark decision was the culmination of years of struggle and activism by Bolivian citizens, who faced limited access to clean water due to privatisation and rising prices. The declaration of this right was a significant step towards ensuring that all Bolivian citizens have access to safe and clean drinking water.

The issue of water privatisation in Bolivia dates back to the late 1990s when the World Bank pressured the Bolivian government to privatise the water system in Cochabamba as a condition for a loan. This led to a dramatic increase in water prices, sparking widespread protests that became known as the "Cochabamba Water War" or simply the "Water War". The protests, led by a diverse group of civilians, framed water privatisation as a violation of basic human rights. As a result, the privatisation was reversed, and water returned to public control.

The "Water War" was a pivotal moment in Bolivian history, leading to radical changes in the country's government and the election of President Evo Morales in 2006. Under the Morales administration, the new Bolivian Constitution was enacted in 2009, which included the declaration of access to water as a human right. This constitutional provision was a direct response to the issues of water scarcity and commodification that had plagued the country for years.

Since the 2009 declaration, significant progress has been made towards ensuring access to clean water for all Bolivian citizens. As of 2017, around 86% of the country's population has access to safe drinking water, and more than 95% of city residents can obtain clean water. Additionally, 78% of rural residents now have improved water security. These improvements are the result of sustained efforts by the Bolivian government, which has invested millions of dollars in resolving water scarcity concerns and improving sanitation and irrigation systems.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, especially in rural areas. Contamination of water sources and droughts continue to threaten water security in Bolivia. However, the country has implemented initiatives like the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool to help foresee and plan for future water security needs. Overall, the declaration of access to drinking water as a human right in the 2009 Bolivian Constitution has been a pivotal step towards ensuring that all citizens have access to this essential resource.

Frequently asked questions