The tap water in Antigua and Barbuda is generally safe to drink, but it is still recommended to drink bottled water, especially for visitors with sensitive stomachs or those who are staying for a short period of time.
The Antiguan government treats tap water for safety, but it may have a noticeable chlorine taste or smell. Some reports of past contamination suggest cautious drinking. However, the CDC (U.S. Center for Disease Control) does not recommend drinking tap water in Antigua and Barbuda, yet many do so without problems.
So, if you do choose to drink tap water in Antigua and Barbuda, it is a good idea to boil it first for at least one minute to kill any harmful bacteria. You can also use a water filter to remove any contaminants. However, bottled water is low-cost and available in large quantities. Therefore, it may be better to buy these bottles.
Then, follow these recommendations to stay safe and healthy when drinking water in Antigua and Barbuda:
- Drink bottled water whenever possible. This is the simplest and most effective way to avoid potential problems with tap water.
- Use a water filter to remove any contaminants. A water filter can remove impurities such as chlorine, sediment and heavy metals from the water.
- Avoid drinking standing water, such as puddles or ponds. Standing water can host harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
- If you have stomach problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting, see a doctor immediately. These can be symptoms of waterborne illnesses, so it is important to get treatment immediately.
On the other hand, if you are in Antigua and Barbuda, we recommend that you take good care of your water. Antigua and Barbuda is facing a serious water shortage. With only 566 cubic meters of water per person per year, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) considers them to be water-scarce islands. This means that they have less than 1,000 cubic meters of freshwater resources per capita.
There are several factors that have contributed to water scarcity in Antigua and Barbuda. One is climate change. The islands are becoming increasingly arid and are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts. Another factor is population growth. As the population grows, the demand on limited water resources increases.
The positive side of some storms, meanwhile, is that they help to reduce drought. For more information, see Storm Philippe in Antigua reduces drought.
