Can I Drink Tap Water in Antigua and Barbuda?

Antigua and Barbuda has high basic drinking water coverage, but travelers should still use caution with tap water. World Bank 2024 data shows about 98.9% basic drinking water access, while the same API currently does not provide a recent safely managed drinking water estimate. In practice, water quality can vary by accommodation, storage tank condition, and storm-related disruptions.

As a small island state, Antigua and Barbuda depends on tightly managed water systems and can face pressure from drought, tourism demand, and severe weather. Treatment infrastructure and desalination support supply, but final tap quality for visitors may depend on building-level storage tanks, plumbing maintenance, and short-term outages. The World Bank API reports very high basic drinking water access (about 98.9% in 2024), yet the absence of a recent safely managed series value makes it harder to rate countrywide tap safety with confidence. A caution rating is appropriate, especially for rentals, guesthouses, and during or after storms.

In large resorts, tap water may be treated and managed well, but countrywide reliability varies enough that bottled or properly filtered water remains the safer choice for most travelers. Be especially cautious in villas or private rentals with rooftop tanks or cistern storage.