Can I drink tap water in Zanzibar?

Tourists should not drink tap water in Zanzibar due to the high risk of contamination. If you must drink tap water, take precautions such as boiling, using water purification tablets, filtration straws or filtration water bottles. To fully understand why drinking tap water is discouraged, let’s look into the Zanzibar water sources.

Zanzibar's water comes mainly from groundwater extracted from boreholes and wells. Other sources include surface water from natural reservoirs such as rivers and desalinated sea water from coastal areas.

Although borehole water appears to be a good source of water, there is a high risk of contamination due to poor construction and maintenance. Private boreholes in most hotels and other properties are rarely maintained.

The Zanzibar Water Authority is committed to cleaning up water sources across the island. Treatment of groundwater with chlorine helps to kill harmful microorganisms, but this is not 100% effective.

Some pathogens can still enter the water due to the poor infrastructure of the water supply system. Water quality varies greatly from one part of the island to another.

In terms of surface water, these sources can be contaminated by pesticides, herbicides and industrial waste spills.

Considering all these factors, it is easy to understand why tourists are discouraged from drinking tap water in Zanzibar.

Bottled water is widely available and affordable throughout the island, making it a convenient option. Additionally, when brushing your teeth or washing fruits and vegetables, consider using bottled or filtered water to minimize any risk of contamination. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your stay in Zanzibar without worrying about your health.

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