Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ?
All in all, 1% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of Brazil?
All in all, 6% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Rio de Janeiro then?
What residents and travelers say
When it comes to tap water in Rio de Janeiro, experiences both from locals and visitors show a varied picture. Many residents in modern apartment buildings and newer neighborhoods report that the tap water is generally safe to drink due to ongoing improvements by the local water utility. However, some travelers and inhabitants mention a noticeable chlorine or chemical taste, which some find off-putting though not harmful. In older buildings or more peripheral neighborhoods, it’s common for residents to rely on additional filtration methods or bottled water to ensure taste and safety. A number of users highlight using household water filters—not necessarily for purification but mainly to improve flavor and remove residual chlorine.
- Taste: Slight chlorine or chemical flavor often noted, varies by area and infrastructure.
- Filter habits: Many locals use basic carbon filters or water purifiers in apartments; travelers frequently prefer bottled or filtered water.
- Refill norms: Refill stations for purified water are available and commonly used, especially in residential areas.
- Building-level variability: Water quality may differ substantially even within neighborhoods depending on plumbing age and maintenance.
- Local caveats: Visitors should be cautious with tap water in less developed areas; boiling or filtering is recommended.
For the most reliable and current information, it is best to consult official sources such as the CEDAE Official Website, the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Department, or announcements on the CEDAE Twitter. These resources provide updates on water quality, boil water advisories, and infrastructure projects that can directly impact local tap water safety and taste.
Further reading on tap water in Rio de Janeiro
To verify the current tap-water quality and any advisories in Rio de Janeiro, first visit the official municipal water utility website, https://www.cedae.com.br" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEDAE, which provides updates on water quality and service notices. Additionally, the city's Health Department site, http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/web/sms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, offers public health information related to water safety. For broader regulations and standards, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Health at https://www.gov.br/saude" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gov.br/saude. Monitoring official social media channels, such as CEDAE's verified Twitter account, can also provide timely alerts and advisories.
- https://www.cedae.com.br" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CEDAE Official Website
- http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/web/sms" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Department
- https://www.gov.br/saude" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Brazilian Ministry of Health
- https://twitter.com/cedaeoficial" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CEDAE Twitter