Drinking Water in Medellin

The general consensus is that tap water in Medellin is safe to drink.

The city's water treatment plants use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove impurities and contaminants from the water before it is distributed to homes and businesses. These processes are regulated by the local government and are designed to ensure that the water meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Despite these efforts, however, some visitors to Medellin still prefer to drink bottled water due to concerns about the taste and quality of the tap water. While the city has reduced the amount of chlorine in its water in recent years, some people still find the taste and smell of tap water to be unpleasant. Another concern about the quality of tap water in Medellin is the possibility of contamination due to old, rusted steel pipes in older buildings.

Despite these concerns, it's important to remember that tap water in Medellin is still generally safe to drink. In fact, many locals and expats in Medellin drink tap water on a daily basis without any problems. If you are planning to visit or live in Medellin and are concerned about the safety of tap water, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that you are drinking safe and clean water:

1. Invest in a water filter: One of the best ways to improve the taste and quality of tap water in Medellin is to invest in a good water filter. There are a variety of water filters on the market that can remove impurities and contaminants from tap water, including activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and ultraviolet light filters.

2. Boil water before drinking: If you are unsure about the safety of tap water in a particular area, you can boil it before drinking. Boiling water for at least one minute will kill most bacteria and other contaminants, making it safe to drink.

3. Use bottled water: If you are still concerned about the safety of tap water in Medellin, you can opt to drink bottled water instead. While bottled water can be more expensive, it is a convenient and reliable way to ensure that you are drinking clean and safe water.

In conclusion, while there are still some concerns about the safety and quality of tap water in Medellin, it is generally safe to drink. Whether you choose to drink tap water or opt for bottled water, it's important to stay hydrated and take care of your health while traveling or living in Medellin.

There are a number of brands of bottled water that you can buy in Medellin, including Cristal, Brisa and Manantial amongst others. A 600ml bottle of water from a shop costs about 1,000 COP, The same bottle will be 5,000 COP or more in a restaurant. In local neighborhood shops you might also see drinking water sold in small plastic bags, you drink them by biting off a corner of the bag.

At a restaurant you can ask for tap water however it's amazing how many waiters in Medellin will forget to bring it.

There are several companies that deliver the large containers of water but the easiest option is to speak to your local tienda. They will deliver a full bottle and then when you need a refill they will deliver a new bottle and take the empty one.

If you prefer a water filter the best options are at Homecenter.