Can I Drink Tap Water in Riyadh?

Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC) operates major infrastructure and publishes operational and project updates for Riyadh, reflecting a large regulated urban water network. NWC reports extensive laboratory testing activity and ongoing network expansion in Riyadh. For travelers, however, the practical issue is often the last-mile building tank and plumbing, so bottled or filtered water is the safer default for drinking even though tap water is generally usable for hygiene.

Riyadh is served within a large national utility framework managed by the National Water Company (NWC), supported by broader Saudi water-sector institutions. NWC publishes Riyadh-specific network and service expansion updates, as well as operational statistics describing high volumes of laboratory testing and water-quality monitoring across its service footprint. This indicates a regulated and actively managed supply system rather than an informal or unmonitored environment. For travelers, the practical drinking-water decision in Riyadh often depends less on the utility and more on the building. Water commonly passes through on-site storage tanks and internal plumbing before reaching the tap, and maintenance quality can vary between hotels, apartments, and residential compounds. This can affect taste, odor, and confidence in direct drinking. As a result, many residents and visitors choose bottled or filtered water for drinking while using tap water for showering and brushing teeth. In Riyadh's hot climate, maintaining safe and adequate hydration is more important than insisting on direct tap use.

Riyadh is manageable for safe hydration if you treat tap water cautiously and plan for the climate. Use bottled or trusted filtered water for drinking, especially during short stays or in buildings with unknown tank maintenance. Tap water is generally acceptable for showering and brushing teeth in most hotels. Ice is usually low-risk in reputable venues. Because heat is a major risk factor, prioritize carrying water and oral rehydration options during daytime travel.