πŸ‡¨πŸ‡² Country Population: 29,123,744

Can I Drink Tap Water in Cameroon?

Unsafe
1.6/5
Quick Answer
Tap water in Cameroon is unsafe to drink as a general traveler recommendation.
Tap water in Cameroon is unsafe to drink as a general traveler recommendation. World Bank data indicates about 71.4% basic drinking water access (2024), while the same series does not currently return a recent safely managed drinking water value. Cameroon has limited basic drinking water access in many areas and the World Bank series used here does not return a recent safely managed value, supporting an unsafe traveler recommendation for tap water. Use bottled or correctly boiled/disinfected water for drinking and dental hygiene at all times.
Water Quality Details
Water and sanitation gaps create substantial pathogen risk at the point of use. World Bank data indicates about 71.4% basic drinking water access (2024), while the same series does not currently return a recent safely managed drinking water value. Conditions can vary by city and property, but country-level traveler guidance should assume tap water is not potable. Use bottled or correctly boiled/disinfected water for drinking and dental hygiene at all times.
Water sourceMixed sources
TreatmentChlorination, Filtration
HardnessModerate
TDS300 ppm
Taste rating1/5
Taste notesvariable and often poor · sediment and odor possible · distribution and storage can affect quality
Contaminant Data
Contaminant Measured Limit Status
E. coli and coliform bacteria β€” 0
WHO
Exceeds
Sewage contamination β€” β€” Exceeds
Turbidity and sediment β€” β€” Exceeds
Nitrate (localized wells) β€” 50 mg/L
WHO
Exceeds
Residual chlorine (inconsistent) β€” β€” Exceeds
Practical Tips
🧊 Avoid ice from tap 🪧 Use bottled for brushing 🍽 Avoid restaurant tap water 🔥 Boiling effective 💧 Filter recommended
  1. Drink only sealed bottled water or properly treated water
  2. Use safe water for brushing teeth
  3. Avoid ice unless purified water is confirmed
  4. Avoid raw foods washed with local water
Bottled water~$0.7 USD (Common)
Recommended filtersReverse Osmosis, Ceramic, Gravity, Bottle Filter
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Very high Diarrhea risk: Very high
Tap water in Cameroon is unsafe to drink as a general traveler recommendation. Use bottled or correctly boiled/disinfected water for drinking and dental hygiene at all times. Conditions can vary by city and property, but country-level traveler guidance should assume tap water is not potable. When in doubt, bottled or properly treated water is the safer choice for drinking and dental hygiene.
Country-level tap-water safety in Cameroon is unreliable for travelers; use bottled or correctly treated water consistently.
  • Drink only sealed bottled water or properly treated water
  • Use safe water for brushing teeth
  • Avoid ice unless purified water is confirmed
  • Avoid raw foods washed with local water
  • Carry oral rehydration salts and water treatment backup
Health Warnings
⚠ Health Warnings
  • High risk of waterborne gastrointestinal disease
Sources & References