In my 9 years of experience, one of the most frequently asked questions from my clients is: Is the water in Costa Rica safe to drink?? The answer, very often, is YES!!
I remember in my childhood when my father dug a water well on our property. When I played soccer with my friends, we drank water directly from the well, and now 19 years later, all of us are healthy!
In Costa Rica, we have the AyA (the Costa Rican Water and Sanitation Institute), which is the agency responsible for testing and monitoring water quality. Thousands of Costa Ricans bring their drinking water to government-approved laboratories for testing to ensure their water is safe. The AyA also works to protect and preserve our natural springs and other water sources for our children and future generations. In fact, 25 % of Costa Rican territory is protected as national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries.
Occasionally while visiting Costa Rica, clients do become ill. However, it is usually due to possible mishandling of food or the clients simply not being used to certain types of food. Many of my clients want to try the delicious tropical fruit drinks that we have here in Costa Rica, which can made with watermelon, papaya, passion fruit, guava, or banana. Many of them ask for their drinks to be made in milk to avoid drinking the water. But here in Costa Rica, we habitually put ice in all drinks. Even with the water they consume in this way, my clients are healthy, happy, and looking forward to the next day when they can have another fruity drink naturally produced in this beautiful country.
As a guide, I am responsible for the health of my clients and ensuring that they enjoy their stay in Costa Rica. So, during the trip, I make sure to tell them where it is safe and where it is not safe to drink the water. In general, it is on the coasts (Caribbean and Pacific) where it is recommended that people buy bottled water to drink. This is because the AyA has been unable to provide clean water and testing facilities to some places in Costa Rica.
Always when traveling with an agency, ask your driver, guide, or service provider if it is safe to drink the tap water.
Water is life, do not waste it!
