Belize's Drinking Water: Safe Or Not?

If you're travelling to Belize, you might be wondering whether the water is safe to drink. The answer depends on where you are in the country. In major cities like Belize City and San Ignacio, the tap water is treated and generally considered safe to drink. However, many visitors choose to drink bottled water due to safety concerns or because they don't like the taste of chlorine, which is used to treat the water. In smaller towns and villages, the water supply may come from untreated sources such as wells or rainwater tanks, so it's recommended to stick to bottled water in these areas. Hotels and resorts in Belize typically provide guests with safe drinking water, either in the lobby or through water coolers. Bottled water is easily accessible and affordable, costing around $1-2 per gallon.

Tap water in major cities

Tap water in Belize is generally considered unsafe to drink, even in most major cities and tourist towns. However, there are a few exceptions where tap water is safe to consume.

Belize City and San Ignacio are two major cities in Belize where the tap water is considered relatively safe to drink. However, it is always a good idea to check with hotel staff or locals for the most up-to-date information, as water quality can vary over time.

In San Pedro, there is ample water for showers and bathing, but drinking water is usually supplied by hotels. The municipal water in San Pedro is chlorinated and aerated, but it is recommended to avoid drinking untreated well water. Some places in San Pedro have cistern water, which is safe to drink.

Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination, has a desalination plant that provides safe drinking water. However, some people still prefer to buy bottled water or use alternative sources like rainwater cisterns.

While the tap water in these major cities may be considered safe to drink, it is important to note that travellers often experience diarrhoea when visiting foreign countries. Therefore, it is generally recommended to take precautions and drink bottled water or use purification methods to ensure your health and safety.

Additionally, while tap water in cities may be safe for consumption, it is important to be cautious when travelling to rural areas. Hand pumps and rudimentary water systems are commonly used in these areas, and water contamination is a concern.

Tap water in towns and villages

Tap water in Belize's towns and villages is generally considered safe to drink, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, outside of major cities like Belize City and San Ignacio, the water supply in smaller destinations sometimes comes from untreated sources such as wells or rainwater tanks. In these cases, it is recommended to stick to bottled water as your primary drinking source. Hotels and resorts in Belize typically provide guests with safe drinking water, so take advantage of this and keep your water bottle filled.

Even in areas where the tap water is treated, many visitors choose not to drink it due to safety concerns or the taste of chlorine used in the treatment process. Bottled water is easily accessible and affordable, costing around $1-2 per gallon. Alternatively, some places have cistern water, which is rainwater collected in tanks that is often safe to drink. You can ask your host about the drinking water at your specific location and whether it is acceptable for drinking and brushing your teeth.

If you have a sensitive stomach or prefer to be cautious, sticking to bottled water will give you peace of mind. It is also recommended to use bottled water for brushing your teeth, especially in rural areas. Additionally, be cautious when preparing meals, as the risk of contamination is ever-present, even when washing items.

In summary, while tap water in Belize's towns and villages is generally safe, it is always a good idea to ask your host and be cautious if you have any concerns. Bottled water is readily available and affordable, making it a convenient option for travellers who want to ensure their health and safety during their stay in Belize.

Bottled water

Hotels and resorts in Belize will almost always provide guests with drinking water, either in the lobby or via water coolers. This is a great way to ensure you always have access to drinking water.

If you are in a more rural area, it is always a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you. In these areas, water is often sourced from untreated wells or rainwater tanks, which is not safe to drink.

Even in major cities like Belize City, tap water is treated with chlorine, and many visitors choose not to drink it due to safety concerns or the taste.

If you have a sensitive stomach, or underlying health issues, it is best to stick to bottled water to be confident and feel safer.

Hotels and resorts

If you're staying in a hotel or resort in an urban area, such as Belize City, the tap water will likely have been treated and so should be safe to drink. However, many visitors opt not to drink it due to safety concerns or because they don't like the taste of chlorine. Hotels and resorts are typically very cautious when it comes to their guests, so they will often provide drinking water for you throughout your stay. If you have a sensitive stomach or existing health issues, it's best to stick to bottled water to be on the safe side.

If you're staying in a more rural area, it's important to take extra precautions. Many places get their water from rain cisterns, which are fitted with filters, but it's always a good idea to ask the staff at your hotel or resort about the water supply and whether it's safe to drink. They can advise you on the best course of action and may be able to provide you with safe drinking water.

In addition to drinking water, it's important to consider other ways you might come into contact with water, such as when brushing your teeth or washing fruit and vegetables. It's recommended to use bottled or purified water for these activities, especially in rural areas, to reduce the risk of contamination.

Overall, while hotels and resorts in Belize will typically provide safe drinking water, it's always a good idea to be cautious and ask for clarification from the staff if you're unsure.

Expat advice

If you're an expat living in Belize, it's important to know what water is safe to drink. The answer depends on where you live and your personal preferences.

If you live in a major city like Belize City or San Ignacio, the tap water has been treated and is generally considered safe to drink. However, some people choose not to drink it due to safety concerns or because they don't like the taste of chlorine. If you're unsure, check with your host or local expats, who will be able to give you insider tips. Hotels and resorts will also provide guests with safe drinking water, so you can take advantage of this during your stay.

In smaller towns and villages, the water supply may come from untreated sources like wells or rainwater tanks, so it's recommended to stick to bottled water in these areas. Bottled water is easily accessible and affordable, costing around $1-2 per gallon. You can also find refill stations for large bottles at a lower cost. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of plastic bottles, you can invest in a water filter or purifier to treat tap water.

It's worth noting that the water in Belize has a high mineral content, which may affect its taste and your preference for drinking it. While the water is generally safe for brushing teeth, cooking, and rinsing food, some people choose to use bottled or filtered water for these purposes as well.

When it comes to food, it's recommended to follow general food safety guidelines such as washing fruits and vegetables, avoiding certain street food, and being cautious when preparing meals.

Frequently asked questions