Is tap water safe to drink in Zambia?

In Zambia, water quality varies greatly depending on location. While some urban centers treat tap water, it is not considered reliably safe for visitors. Travelers should take precautions to avoid waterborne diseases.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Tap water is often consumed by locals, who may have higher tolerance to local microbes, but it can still pose health risks. Visitors should avoid drinking it directly. However, the visitors whose microbe acclimation is non-local especially among the internationally traveled visitors are not expected to consume tap water without special precaution.

Tap water may contain microbes, chemical contaminants, or other impurities that can cause illness in non-locals. Even though the aim of Zambian water utilities is to meet the safety standards, it could have affected the quality of water due to deteriorated infrastructure, intermittent treatment, and frequent power outages in some areas.

Safer alternatives for travelers

Most travelers prefer to use safer choices of drinking water, which include:

Bottled water:
- Hotels, lodges, restaurants and shops stock them.
- Do not buy it with the seal broken.
- Brands like AquaSavannah and Manzi Valley are normally relied upon.

Boiled water:
- Boiling water for at least one minute kills most pathogens.
- Common practice in lodges and safari camps where bottled water may be limited.
Filtered or purified water:
- Most luxury lodges offer filtered or UV-treated water.
- Portable water purification devices, like LifeStraw bottles or SteriPEN UV filters, can also be carried by travelers.
Water purification tablets:
- Convenient when travelling or camping in remote areas.
- Follow instructions carefully to ensure the water is properly disinfected.

Other water usage tips

Even when you do not drink tap water, it is also prudent to exercise caution with water that is used in other ways:

Brushing Teeth: Use bottled or purified water.
Ice Cubes: Find out whether the ice is prepared using treated water- it is better to avoid it when one is not sure.
Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables: Either eat cooked foods or peel yourself.
Swimming: Avoid swimming in untreated lakes and rivers due to risks of schistosomiasis and other waterborne diseases. Only swim in properly maintained and chlorinated pools.

What to pack

Bottle of water with integrated filter.
Fluids (oral rehydration salts (ORS)) in case of slight dehydration or stomach upset.
Before eating and after outdoor sports, hand sanitizer.
Back-up tablets to purify water.

Final word

Although tap water may be safe for locals, visitors should use bottled, boiled or filtered water. For brushing teeth and daily use, bottled, boiled, or filtered water is strongly recommended, particularly when the stomach is sensitive or there is no medical care available. When you take precaution, you will not only be healthy and hydrated but will also make the best use of your time since you get to explore the beautiful nature and the rich culture of Zambia.

Is tap water safe to drink in Zambia?