Can I Drink Tap Water in Botswana?
Caution
Quick Answer
Tap water in Botswana requires caution for travelers.
Tap water in Botswana requires caution for travelers. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 63.3% safely managed drinking water services and 91.8% basic drinking water access. Botswana has improved access but tap-water conditions still vary by town, source type, and local infrastructure maintenance. Travelers typically rely on bottled or filtered water, especially away from major urban centers.
Water Quality Details
The gap between basic and safely managed services indicates access does not always mean consistently safe water at the tap. World Bank 2024/2024 estimates indicate about 63.3% safely managed drinking water services and 91.8% basic drinking water access. Groundwater mineral content and local storage/distribution conditions can materially affect traveler experience and risk. Travelers typically rely on bottled or filtered water, especially away from major urban centers.
Water sourceGroundwater
TreatmentChlorination, Filtration
HardnessHard
TDS350 ppm
Taste rating3/5
Taste notesquality varies by town and source · mineral/saline taste in some areas · storage conditions can affect taste
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Avoid ice from tap
🪧 Use bottled for brushing
🍽 Avoid restaurant tap water
🔥 Boiling effective
💧 Filter recommended
- Prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking, especially in remote areas
- Use bottled water for brushing teeth outside major hotels
- Avoid ice unless purified water is confirmed
- Carry backup purification for remote travel
Bottled water~$0.8 USD (Common)
Recommended filtersActivated Carbon, Reverse Osmosis, Bottle Filter
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Moderate
Diarrhea risk: Moderate
Tap water in Botswana requires caution for travelers. Travelers typically rely on bottled or filtered water, especially away from major urban centers. Groundwater mineral content and local storage/distribution conditions can materially affect traveler experience and risk. When in doubt, bottled or properly treated water is the safer choice for drinking and dental hygiene.
Countrywide conditions vary by settlement and water source, so a caution recommendation is safer than assuming all tap water is potable.
- Prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking
- Use bottled water for brushing teeth if outside major hotels
- Avoid ice unless purified water is confirmed
- Be cautious in rural lodges and remote areas
Health Warnings
⚠ Health Warnings
- Local water quality can vary significantly by source and settlement
Sources & References
Government
Official Report
Data confidence: Medium
Last updated: 2026-02-23