Ah, Cape Town! The Mother City, where the famous mountains meet the shimmering cold oceans, and where water safety in Cape Town means you can confidently drink the tap water, knowing it’s perfectly safe and refreshing.
As of February 2024, the City of Cape Town has been given the all-clear for its tap water, after passing various international standards. The water coming out of the taps of the Western Cape’s homes, lodges and other places connected to the water system, is thoroughly filtered and goes through rigorous testing.
That said, for many travellers, especially those venturing to Africa for the first time, there’s always going to be a lingering concern about water safety.
And that is because the continent has an unfair reputation for having unclean drinking water, and while that may hold true in some remote regions, Cape Town proudly stands out as an exception.
But it is good to err on the side of caution, and to help you make the right choices while you are travelling in and around Cape Town, allow us to put your mind at ease.
The Great Water Debate – Africa’s Reputation vs. Cape Town’s Clean Slate
Let’s start with a quick reality check.
When most people think of Africa, they might envision wild places filled with wild animals and (unfortunately) unreliable water sources.
In rural areas, this is sometimes a valid concern, as clean drinking water, let alone water flowing out of a tap, can be a scarce resource.
However, Cape Town is anything but rural.
As one of South Africa’s largest cities, it has first-world modern infrastructure, and that includes safe, drinkable tap water that’s held to high health standards.
Cape Town’s water isn’t just safe; it’s regularly tested and meets both South African and international guidelines for drinking water quality.
In other words, you won’t need to spend your entire holiday hauling bottled water around.
Where Does the Tap Water in Cape Town Come From?
Most of Cape Town’s tap water comes from rainwater harvesting.
The Cape is rather infamous for having long stretches of drought, mostly due to the fact that it has long, hot, just about completely rainless summers and, with so many people living in and around the city, the water sources can end up running low.
To avoid a full-blown dry-up, the city has turned out to be more than a little bit creative.
Aside from rainwater harvesting, the city is also supplied by various other dams including Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Berg River, Wemmershoek, and Lower and Upper Steenbras.
Tap Water in Cape Town – The Dos and Don’ts
Now that we’ve cleared up the city’s water safety, let’s talk about a few practical dos and don’ts when it comes to Cape Town’s tap water.
The Dos
Yes, you can drink the tap water in Cape Town! The water is safe, fresh, and readily available at every turn, from hotel taps to restaurant glasses. Cape Town’s tap water undergoes rigorous treatment processes, so you can rest assured that it’s perfectly safe to hydrate directly from the faucet.
The Don’ts
While the city’s water is clean, if you’re visiting those more rural or remote areas outside of Cape Town, you may want to exercise caution.
Some regions have older infrastructure, and the water quality may not be as reliable. In those cases, bottled water is a safer option. A good rule of thumb is to stick to tap water in the city and bring bottled water if you’re venturing into more rural territories.
Guided tours (like the ones we offer!) will always have you covered with safe water options. Whether you’re exploring the winelands or hiking along the Cape Peninsula, you don’t have to worry about the water!
Water Safety in Cape Town – General Tips for Travellers
Most travellers visiting on a Cape Town tour are going to head off somewhere else in the country next. And it will help to have a few handy reminders to make sure you stay happily hydrated throughout your trip:
Tip 1: Ask about water quality at your accommodation
Although Cape Town’s water is generally safe, it never hurts to double-check with your hotel or guesthouse. They’ll let you know if there’s anything you should be aware of.
Tip 2: Bring a refillable water bottle
Cape Town is an eco-conscious city, and with safe tap water on hand, you can easily refill your bottle throughout the day. This will save you money, reduce plastic waste, and keep you hydrated on the go.
Tip 3: Avoid drinking from rivers or lakes
As tempting as it might be to sip from a stream while hiking in the mountains, you must avoid drinking directly from natural water sources unless you’re sure it’s safe. These waters may not be treated and could carry contaminants. Stick to tap water or bottled water.
Tip 4: Carry water purification tablets
If you’re planning to venture far from the city into rural areas, it’s a good idea to bring water purification tablets just in case. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and will give you peace of mind when safe water isn’t readily available (or if you have concerns).
Tip 5: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Cape Town can get pretty warm, especially in summer. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of sightseeing, but don’t forget to drink water regularly, especially when you’re out in the sun.
When to Choose Bottled Water
While Cape Town’s tap water is safe, there are a few situations where you might prefer to buy the bottled water.
If you’re travelling beyond the city limits into rural areas, the water quality might not be as reliable.
Bottled water, however, is widely available in grocery shops, convenience stores, and even at roadside stops, so you’ll never be too far from a safe hydration option.
That being said, Cape Town is big on sustainability.
So if you do buy bottled water, be mindful of how you dispose of it. Recycling is a big deal in South Africa, and Cape Town is no exception. You’ll find recycling bins in many public places, so make sure to keep the city’s beautiful landscapes free from litter.
The other option is to buy a reusable water bottle. These bottles come in some unique local designs so they can double as your souvenir when you go home.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Stay Hydrated in Cape Town
If you’re conscious of your environmental footprint (and who isn’t these days?), there are plenty of ways to stay hydrated while keeping things green.
Cape Town has embraced eco-friendly initiatives, with many public spaces offering water refill stations to reduce plastic waste. You can also invest in a reusable water purifier bottle, which is great for filtering out any impurities in rural areas.
Many responsible tourism companies (like ours!) are committed to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that your trip is as sustainable as possible. So, you can feel good knowing that by booking a tour with us, you’re not just exploring this beautiful city but also helping to preserve it.
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So there you have it: Cape Town’s tap water is safe, refreshing, and readily available to keep you hydrated during your adventure in the Mother City.