Drinking water in Peru is an interesting topic of discussion. It’s not advised to drink tap water owing to the bacteria and chemicals in it. But what happens if you drink tap water in Lima and Peru? Where does Peru get its drinking water from? And what about the drinking water in Lima?
There are many questions surrounding the topic and this article is here to clarify any questions you have before heading to Peru for your holiday including recommended water purifiers.
Where does Peru get its water from?
There are many sources of water in Peru but it gets most of its water from the Pacific basin, Atlantic basin, and Lake Titicaca, as well as a number of rivers and river basins across the country. Domestic water use accounts for around 14% of water usage in Peru, while agriculture takes the lion’s share at 80%.
Check out: Our cultural day trips and get to know a different side of Peru- away from the hustle and bustle of the main sites, allowing you to connect with a more authentic, local side of Peru.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Lima and Peru?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Lima or the rest of Peru. However, it is safe to drink boiled water or filtered water. This gives travelers and citizens several options for getting their drinking water.
Boiling water in a kettle or on the stove is a cheap and simple option, but it does require a little pre-planning to allow the water to be cool by the time it’s needed to drink. This can be inconvenient for travelers if they are on the move or if they have an early morning tour.
There are plenty of different options for bottled water in Peru, and all are relatively cheap. The downside of this is the amount of plastic waste that it produces. If you drink a 1.5lt bottle of water every day while visiting, along with the rest of the travelers that will produce a significant amount of waste.
A slightly more eco-friendly choice would be to buy a larger bottle (4.5L or more) of water and refill your day canister. This is convenient for spending a long time in one city but if you are traveling around the country a large bottle of water is not convenient.
The best choice for drinking water while in Peru is to have a water purifier. Portable purifiers are not widely available in Peru, so bringing one with you is the better option. A water purifier allows you to significantly cut down on disposable plastic usage and allows you immediately drinkable water.
Check out: Our cultural day trips and get to know a different side of Peru- away from the hustle and bustle of the main sites, allowing you to connect with a more authentic, local side of Peru.
There are many different options for water purifiers, but we recommend Grayl. Grayl is an excellent sustainable option for all situations and using the exclusive discount code Amazonas20, you can get 20% off your order.
What happens if you drink tap water in Peru?
The way that drinking Peruvian tap water may affect you depends on a few factors. The first and most important factor is where you are in the country. The closer you are to the water source and the quality of the water storage can greatly affect how the tap water affects you.
Neither of these factors should be relied on or used as excuses to drink the water in Peru. Drinking water that is not potable often results in health problems, some of them serious. You are opening yourself to risks of waterborne diseases- anything from cholera to typhoid and dysentery.
While these diseases are not common in Peru, cases of Giardia have been reported. This is a parasite that can be found in water, soil, or even food. It is a diarrheal illness that has the potential to land you in hospital if serious enough.
Can I clean my teeth and wash vegetables with tap water in Peru?
Yes. While the water in Peru is not safe for drinking, it is safe for things like showering, cleaning your teeth, and washing salad. If you are more cautious or particularly sensitive then you can use pe-boiled water for these activities, but it is not necessary.
Conclusion
Drinking water in Peru, or any foreign country, can be an intimidating topic. However, if you are appropriately prepared then you can anticipate problems before they arise and just concentrate on enjoying your holiday.
While you can’t drink the water in Peru, you can use it to bathe in, clean your teeth, and wash your salad. It is also safe if you take a little time to boil it, or alternatively use your Grayl water purifier to ensure its cleanliness.
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3 Comments On Drinking Water in Peru
Tony
Go to the local pharmacy and pick up Tinidazole. I had giardia and I didn’t have the vomiting, but the diarrhea was insane…every 15-20 minutes. The medication took care of it.
Buy the pills there, they are only a few soles per pill. In the US, much more expensive. You can google the price in the US, but make sure you’re sitting down. .
Toni
I accidentally drank a cocktail with ice cubes last night in Arequipa. Ever since I can‘t stop vomiting and the sickness doesn‘t stop for even one second. Now it is around 8am the next day and I still vomit every few minutes. It is terrible.
What should i do? I am concerned and exhausted.
Thank you for any helpful and kind advice!
(I know myself, that it could have been prevented, but now it is too late and i would be really grateful for some help)
Hi Toni,
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. With cases such as this, it’s important to go to the nearest clinic as soon as possible in order to stop yourself from getting even more dehydrated. You can call your travel insurance to see if they are partnered with any clinics or ask at your hotel/hostel. If your Spanish is limited then if you are on an organized tour you can ask your guide to go with you, and if not ask at the hotel if there’s anyone who can help. Failing that, you should be able to use the Google Translate app.
Best of luck and sorry to hear about your sickness!