Can I Drink the Water?

What Every Property Buyer Should Know Before Buying Property Abroad

Property Guide by Slide'N Doors

Introduction

One of the first questions many people ask when buying property abroad is:

"Can I drink the tap water?"

It's a sensible question, but the answer isn't always a simple yes or no.

In many countries, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. In others, it depends on where the property is located, where the water comes from, how it's stored and whether it's been treated.

Even within the same country, one property may have excellent drinking water while another just a few miles away relies on a private well or spring that requires regular testing.

This guide explains what buyers should know before assuming the water coming from the tap is safe to drink.

There Isn't a Universal Answer

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming every country has the same water standards.

That's simply not true.

Even in countries where municipal tap water is generally considered safe, there may be regional differences due to ageing infrastructure, storms, flooding or temporary maintenance.

Likewise, many private wells and springs produce excellent drinking water despite not being connected to a public water supply.

The important thing is understanding the individual property rather than relying on general assumptions about an entire country.

What Affects Whether Water Is Safe to Drink?

Several factors determine whether tap water is suitable for drinking, including:

• Where the water comes from.
• How it's treated.
• How it's stored.
• The condition of the pipework.
• Whether it's regularly tested.
• Local environmental conditions.

Two neighbouring properties may have completely different drinking water depending on their water source.

Municipal Water

Many towns and cities around the world provide treated municipal water.

This water is normally filtered, disinfected and tested before reaching homes.

However, standards vary from country to country, so it's still worth asking local residents about the quality and taste.

Temporary "boil water" notices can also occur after storms, flooding or maintenance work.

Private Wells

Many rural homes rely on private wells.

Some provide excellent drinking water for decades.

Others require occasional maintenance or treatment.

If you're buying a property with a well, ask:

• Has the water been tested recently?
• Can I see the latest test results?
• Has the well ever become contaminated?
• Has it ever run dry?

An independent laboratory water test before completing your purchase is often money well spent.

Natural Springs

Natural spring water often has an excellent reputation, but don't assume it's automatically safe.

Heavy rainfall, nearby farming, wildlife and changes in the surrounding environment can all affect water quality.

Regular testing is still recommended.

Rainwater Collection

Many properties collect rainwater from their roofs.

Rainwater may be used for:

• Gardening.
• Toilets.
• Washing.
• Household use.
• Drinking (where suitable treatment is installed).

If rainwater is used for drinking, ask exactly how it's filtered and maintained.

Ask the Current Owner

One of the best questions you can ask isn't:

"Can I drink the tap water?"

Instead ask:

"Do you and your family drink it every day?"

Then follow up with:

• Do your children drink it?
• Do guests drink it?
• Have you ever had any problems?
• When was it last tested?

People's everyday habits often tell you far more than a simple yes or no answer.

Bottled Water

In some countries, local people choose bottled water even though the tap water meets national drinking standards.

Reasons may include:

• Personal preference.
• Taste.
• Mineral content.
• Habit.

Choosing bottled water doesn't automatically mean the tap water is unsafe.

Ask why people buy bottled water rather than making assumptions.

Water Testing

If you're buying a property with a private water supply, arranging an independent laboratory water test before completing the purchase can provide valuable peace of mind.

If you're already at the due diligence stage, you could also carry out your own basic water test using an inexpensive home testing kit. While it won't replace professional laboratory analysis, it can provide a useful first indication of water quality and highlight potential issues before you commit to buying the property.

Testing requirements vary between countries, but it's often a very small cost compared with the value of the investment you're making.

Wayne's Tip 💡

When we lived in Costa Rica, one of the first things we bought was a terracotta water filter, similar to an Ecofiltro. It's incredibly simple to use, requires no electricity and, unlike some filtration systems, we found it didn't affect the taste of the water.

If you're buying a property with a private water supply, I'd also consider carrying out your own basic water test as part of your due diligence. A simple testing kit costs very little online and can give you an early indication of water quality before you complete the purchase. It's not a replacement for professional laboratory testing, but it can be another useful check when making such a significant investment.

One final thing many travellers forget isn't the water they drink—it's the food they eat.

When eating out, don't be afraid to ask:

• Is the ice made using filtered or treated water?
• Has the salad been washed using safe water?

These are two of the most common ways visitors unknowingly consume untreated water. Most reputable restaurants, particularly in popular tourist areas, take these precautions seriously, but if you're unsure, it's always worth asking.

Country Differences

Water quality can vary enormously around the world.

Some countries have excellent nationwide drinking water networks.

Others have safe municipal supplies in towns but private wells in rural areas.

Even within the same region, neighbouring properties may receive water from completely different sources.

That's why it's always better to investigate the individual property rather than relying on general advice about the country.

Questions Every Buyer Should Ask

Before buying, ask:

• Where does the drinking water come from?
• Do you personally drink it?
• Has it been tested recently?
• Can I see the latest test results?
• Has there ever been contamination?
• Do local people drink the tap water?
• Is bottled water commonly used?
• If so, why?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the water supply?
• Is any ongoing treatment or testing required?

Buyer Viewing & Due Diligence Checklist

☐ Ask where the water comes from.

☐ Ask whether the owners drink it.

☐ Ask if guests drink it.

☐ Ask whether the water has been tested.

☐ Request copies of recent laboratory test results where appropriate.

☐ Ask whether bottled water is commonly used locally.

☐ Understand who is responsible for maintaining the water supply.

☐ If purchasing the property, consider carrying out your own basic water test during the due diligence process.

Wayne's Final Thoughts

Whether you're buying a beachfront villa, a countryside farmhouse or a city apartment, never assume the drinking water is the same as it is back home.

A few simple questions, a little research and sensible due diligence can help you understand the property's water supply and give you confidence before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on research and practical experience. Drinking water standards, testing requirements and regulations vary between countries and regions. Always seek advice from qualified local professionals or the relevant water authority before relying on any water supply for drinking.

Help Us Build Better Property Guides

We're continually expanding our Property Guides to answer the questions buyers ask most.

If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, or if you've discovered something during your own property journey that could help other buyers, we'd love to hear from you.

Email: wayne@slidendoors.com

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