Can I Drink Tap Water in Bangladesh?

Tap water in Bangladesh is unsafe to drink as a country-level traveler recommendation. Use sealed bottled water or properly boiled/disinfected water for drinking and brushing teeth. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 59.1% safely managed drinking water services and 98.8% basic drinking water access. Bangladesh has high basic water access but serious safety challenges at the point of use, including microbial contamination and arsenic exposure in parts of the country. Travelers should use sealed bottled water or properly treated water at all times.

The gap between basic access and safely managed access is large, which means many households have water access but not consistently safe, monitored, on-premises drinking water. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 59.1% safely managed drinking water services and 98.8% basic drinking water access. Conditions vary by district and supply type, but travelers should avoid treating country-level tap water as potable. Travelers should use sealed bottled water or properly treated water at all times.

Tap water in Bangladesh is unsafe to drink as a country-level traveler recommendation. Use sealed bottled water or properly boiled/disinfected water for drinking and brushing teeth. Travelers should use sealed bottled water or properly treated water at all times. Conditions vary by district and supply type, but travelers should avoid treating country-level tap water as potable. When in doubt, bottled or properly treated water is the safer choice for drinking and dental hygiene.