Can You Drink the Water in Oaxaca Mexico? (The Answer Might Shock You)
want to know is Oaxaca Water safe to drink?
If you’re traveling to Oaxaca soon, you’ve probably wondering — Can I drink the water in Oaxaca Mexico? and Is the water in Oaxaca safe to drink?
The answer to both questions is NO, please don’t drink the water in Oaxaca.
Mexico tap water isn’t considered safe for human consumption; not for locals and not for visitors. In fact, I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and I still can’t and don’t drink the water. So what can you do as a visitor?
OUR PICK
Your best option is this Water-To-Go Bottle — which both keeps you hydrated, and filters your drinking water in Oaxaca. 💸 Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF!
This Water-To-Go Bottle ⤴ is great because you don’t have to keep buying single-use plastic bottles — which are bad for the planet, and get costly after a while.
You can also boil your Oaxaca tap water before drinking it, though you must be in a Oaxaca Airbnb with a stove.
But don’t worry; we’re going to get into everything you need to know about Oaxaca Mexico drinking water.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do to avoid Montezuma’s Revenge in Oaxaca so you don’t get sick in Mexico from the water.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Can you drink tap water in Oaxaca Mexico?
No — Oaxaca Mexico tap water isn’t safe for human consumption.
Know this does mean “all humans,” including Oaxaca locals, Oaxaca visitors, and even Oaxaca Mexico expats like me. I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and still don’t drink unfiltered Mexico water.
Can locals drink the water in Oaxaca?
No — Oaxaca locals drink bottled water. Tap water in all Mexico is not safe to drink for anyone, so no one drinks straight tap water in Oaxaca.
Since locals don’t want to get sick just as much as you don’t want to get sick, there will be no instance when anyone will serve you tap water.
To make Oaxaca water safe to drink, you must boil it or use a filterable water bottle like these Water-To-Go Bottles.
Many locals buy a garrafón (five gallon water jug), and keep those in their homes for use. While in-home water delivery service isn’t practical for visitors, a Water-To-Go Bottle is!
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Why can’t you drink the water in Mexico?
Many want to know, Why is the water in Mexico not safe to drink?
First off, waterborne illness isn’t exclusive to Mexico. You can get sick from water anywhere in the world, as water is a great carrier for things that make you sick, like bacteria, protozoa, viruses, toxins and parasites.
The reason tap water is “safer” in some places versus others comes down to one thing: filtration.
In recent years, Mexico water filter standards have improved, but still aren’t safe enough. For this reason, I recommend Oaxaca travelers get a Water-To-Go Bottle.
According to their website, the 3-in-1 filter membrane removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants.
There are three Water-To-Go bottle styles: The Classic Bottle, the Active Bottle and the Go! Bottle. Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your entire purchase on any of these bottles.
WHAT IS IN THE WATER IN MEXICO THAT MAKES YOU SICK?
Just like in the United States, tap water in Mexico has tiny microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye.
The important thing here is these are often different microorganisms than you’re used to in the U.S. — but that doesn’t mean they are any better or any worse; just different.
Your body can tolerate the microscopic organisms it’s used to, but unfamiliar ones can lead to Montezuma’s Revenge, which is how many get sick in Mexico.
WHAT BACTERIA IS IN MEXICO WATER?
There’s no one type of bacteria exclusive to Mexico water, but some types of microorganisms in Mexico water include giardia and e. coli.
However, unless your water is tested right before you drink it, there’s really no way to know for sure what’s in that particular cup or bottle of water.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
What happens if you drink the water in Oaxaca?
For many travelers, absolutely nothing will happen — especially if it’s just a sip on accident. For some travelers, they will get sick. In a small percentage of cases, the person will get very sick.
This answer isn’t what many want to hear, but this is a case of “the luck of the draw.”
About three millions visitors come to Oaxaca each year, and only a very small percentage get sick from Oaxaca water. While it’s great to be vigilant, you don’t have to obsess or stress!
The important thing to know is not even locals tap water in Oaxaca, so there’s pretty much no chance you will either.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
What do I do if I’m sick in Oaxaca Mexico?
If you’re very sick, go to the nearest hospital immediately.
However, if it’s not a medical emergency, you should still go see a doctor asap — especially if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea, which can both lead to dehydration.
🇲🇽 Oaxaca Travel Tips: If your Spanish isn’t great, download the Google Translate app. With this app, you and the doctor can speak into your phone, and the translation is spoken back to you both.
How do I see a doctor in Oaxaca?
Unlike in the U.S., going to the doctor in Mexico is usually an inexpensive and quick process.
If you find yourself sick in Mexico, open Google Maps, find one of the big chain pharmacies near you, and go straight there.
These best Oaxaca farmacias include Farmacia Similares, Farmacia Yza, Farmacia Guadalajara and Farmacias del Ahorro.
Once there, you’ll want to head to their walk-in clinics — which are sometimes called consultorios. Not all pharmacies in Oaxaca have these clinics, but most do.
Usually within 15 minutes or so, a doctor will see you, assess your symptoms, and since you’re already at a pharmacy, you can get any meds you need right then and there.
If you require further medical assistance, the doctor will let you know after the exam.
💁♀️ Here’s my experience at a clinic in Mexico
I was bit by a spider in Bacalar, Mexico, and wanted a doctor to assess the bite.
After the trip, I want to a walk-in clinic and saw a doctor in less than five minutes. The exam, antibiotic pills and a cream for the bite cost $8 USD.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
What is Montezuma’s Revenge Mexico sickness?
Known as Montezuma’s Revenge in Mexico, the medical name for this sickness is Traveler’s Diarrhea, or TD.
Not exclusive to Oaxaca or Mexico, TD can happen to any traveler in any country, so be cautious in Oaxaca, but know this type of illnesses can occur anywhere.
🇮🇳 For example, TD is called Delhi Belly in India. This is a play on words using the Indian city of Delhi, which is pronounced “deli,” and makes the rhyme “Deli Belly.”
TD happens because your microbiome (natural gut bacteria) can’t handle whatever’s in the food and water in the place you’ve traveled to.
I’m no doctor, so take this with a grain of salt, but you can strengthen your microbiome before you travel to Oaxaca with probiotic supplements.
HOW LONG DOES MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE LAST?
It will vary from person to person, so there’s no real answer for all people across the board.
Some people are lucky and have it for 12 hours, but for others, it can last several days. If you feel sick in Oaxaca, go see a doctor immediately.
Treatment for Mexico Stomach bug & TD
The treatment depends on the severity of each individual case. For many, an over the counter medication like Imodium works just fine.
I recommend traveling to Oaxaca with Imodium and keeping it in your purse or book-bag so you have it the moment you need it. Note: It’s uncommon to find the Imodium in Mexico, but Treda is a Mexican equivalent.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Drinking Water in Oaxaca to Avoid Dehydration
When most travelers think about getting sick in Mexico, they think it’s only the Mexico drinking water itself that will do it. Wrong!
In reality, many Mexico travel horror stories often end up being about all the other types of sickness no one prepared for — namely, dehydration.
Oaxaca Water & Temperature Averages
As you can see above, Oaxaca is hot year-round. Mexico is closer to the Equator than many places, and the sun’s rays are stronger.
For me, when I carry a water bottle around, I remember to keep drinking throughout the day, which has saved me in Oaxaca’s heat many times.
If you didn’t already add this Water-To-Go Bottle to your cart, preventing dehydration is just one more reason to get one.
These refillable bottles 1) filter your drinking water so you don’t get sick, 2) help you stay hydrated, and 3) you won’t have to keep buying bottled water in Oaxaca.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
What’s the best bottled water in Oaxaca Mexico?
Taste-wise and reputation-wise, many say the best water in Mexico is from the Epura brand.
Though Epura has a good reputation overall, that’s in no way a guarantee each and every bottle of water is 100% free of waterborne contaminants.
Regardless of brand, there are two things to consider about bottled water in Oaxaca:
- Even from the best brand, they can’t ensure each individual bottle is of exceptional quality, and
- Single-use plastics from disposable water bottles are horrible for the environment.
🇲🇽 Oaxaca Travel Tips: You don’t have to order bottled water in Oaxaca restaurants!
You can ask for the FREE filtered water from the garrafón (five-gallon jug). As not all filtered water is created equal, pour that cup of water into your Water-To-Go Bottle.
the (real) best water in Mexico
To give you the best chance on how to NOT get sick in Mexico on your vacation, I recommend boiling the tap water, and then going one step further and running it through your Water-To-Go Refillable Water Bottle before you drink it.
You can also buy a large bottle of water from a Mexico convenience store, keep it in your Oaxaca hotel or Airbnb, and refill your Water-To-Go bottle as needed.
Wondering, Is it overkill to filter bottled water? No — This is a near-guarantee that you’ll drink clean water in Oaxaca.
💧 What is water-to-go?
With BPA-free Water-To-Go bottles, you have access to clean water anywhere in Oaxaca without having to buy environmentally damaging, single-use plastic water bottles.
We envision a world where everyone has access to clean drinking water, free of single use plastics.
Water-To-Go Mission Statement
Meaning, you can fill water straight from the tap, and safely drink it from your Water-To-Go bottle.
Water-To-Go bottles have a three-stage filter that removes 99.9999% of waterborne contaminants.
This includes viruses, bacteria, chemicals, parasites, microplastics, and more — turning all water, even non-boiled tap water, into safe Oaxaca Mexico drinking water!
The 3-in-1 filter is a net within a net within a net, making it nearly-impossible for contaminant to get through.
Wondering what happens to the water filter when you have to replace it? Great question! ♻️ The filter membrane is biodegradable and the shrouds are recyclable.
Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your entire purchase at Water-To-Go!
Oaxaca Mexico Tap Water FAQ
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Oaxaca?
No — Some people will use bottled or purified water to brush their teeth, or you can just avoid putting water on your toothbrush before brushing.
While this may or may not prevent getting sick in Mexico, you can always just avoid wetting the toothbrush before you brush your teeth, which should be enough of a preventative measure.
Now, to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, you’ll want to use bottled or filtered water.
Can you shower in Oaxaca water?
Yes — The shower water is absolutely safe. In fact, I use it every single day 🤣
Can I open my mouth in the shower in Mexico?
Yes, but don’t — This comes from an episode of Sex & the City where Charlotte accidentally opens her mouth in the shower, swallows some water, and gets really sick in Mexico.
While you should not drink water from the shower, if some splashes on your mouth, you’ll likely be fine.
Can I cook with tap water in Oaxaca?
Yes — This is 100% safe if you’re boiling the water before cooking with it.
If you’re making a delicious Mexican soup or pasta dish, you’re completely fine to cook with Mexico tap water, since you will be killing off the microorganisms in the boiling process.
🧊 Ice in Mexico is a different story, as you’ll see below.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Is it safe to wash dished with tap water in Mexico?
Yes — If you’re staying in a Oaxaca VRBO or Airbnb and need to wash any dishes, it’s the same process as in the U.S. Just use plenty of dish soap and warm water, and you’re good to go with clean dishes 🍽
🥗 Are salads safe in Mexico?
Yes — While you may have come across info saying Don’t eat salads in Mexico, this is simply untrue.
Many assume that since raw veggies are only run under tap water to clean them in the U.S., this is done the same way in Mexico. It’s not!
As you now know, Mexico tap water is not safe to consume, so running veggies under tap water would also make them unsafe to eat.
In Mexico, produce isn’t just rinsed with tap water, because you can’t actually clean anything in water that itself isn’t well, clean.
Rather, many use a vinegar-water mixture, warm soapy water, and even store-bought produce wash to clean their fresh fruits and veggies.
If you’re concerned about eating fresh produce from all the amazing Oaxaca markets, make sure to bring some with you.
Can I drink ice in Oaxaca?
Yes — You can safely drink ice in Mexico; I do every single day!
In a hot place like Oaxaca, you will definitely want to have a cold beverage, though I have seen plenty of other articles online saying not to drink ice in Mexico.
As mentioned, locals don’t drink the tap water, and don’t make ice cubes with it either. While boiling water kills bacteria, freezing it does not.
I have seen plenty of other articles online saying to avoid ice in your drink, but there’s no reason anyone would make ice with tap water.
Now, if you want to avoid ice for peace of mind, then go ahead.
If you really want peace of mind, however, keep reminding yourself that locals would also get sick from that ice, so it’s more likely that no one’s making unsafe ice, and your ice is totally fine.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Can you drink the water in Mexico resorts?
Drinking water in any Oaxaca hotels or any Mexico hotels is unsafe — unless the staff tells you it’s OK.
Some of the most upscale 5 Star Mexico resorts have elaborate filtration systems, but this is far from the norm. Err on the side of caution, and don’t drink the tap water in your resort.
Whether you’re headed to Oaxaca City or the Oaxaca beaches, know that your best defense is a good offense.
If you have your Water-To-Go Bottle with you while traveling, you always have access to clean, purified drinking water in Mexico and Oaxaca.
Can I drink coffee in Oaxaca?
Yes — Coffee is made with purified water, like all drinks in Mexico. If you’re drinking hot coffee, there’s even less chance the microorganisms in the water haven’t died.
As Oaxaca has some of the best coffee in the world, like the famous Pluma Hidalgo Coffee from Pluma Hidalgo Mexico — please don’t skip the delicious Mexican coffees on your Oaxaca trip.
Can you drink the water in Oaxaca mexico?
Should I get Travel Insurance for Oaxaca?
In an article focused around the question, Can I drink the water in Oaxaca?, I’d be remiss not to discuss Mexico travel insurance.
For me, Mexico travel insurance is a must — as it can mean the difference between a $2,000 hospital bill and a $2 hospital bill if you get sick in Oaxaca.
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
If Mexico travel safety and health are on your mind, get your FREE quote below from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.
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They have the Standard Plan with general travel coverage, and the Explorer Plan, perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling in Oaxaca, like climbing the Monte Alban Ruins.
Plans average about $7 USD per day. Get your FREE World Nomads quote now!
Safety Wing
The best Mexico travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers who plan to stay a while.
Plans start at only about $40 USD per month — so this is a no brainer. Get your FREE SafetyWing quote now!
Final Thoughts: Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?
As you now know, no one drinks tap water in Oaxaca — not locals, not visitors and not Oaxaca expats (me included).
I get bottled water delivered to my home, but as a visitor, that’s impractical. For this reason, I recommend getting a Water-To-Go Bottle with a built-in filter. (Remember to use code SOLO15 for 15% off!)
Your Water-To-Go Bottle filters 99.999999% of bacteria, viruses, toxins and microplastics, which both covers your Oaxaca water safety, and helps prevent dehydration.
Carrying a water bottle at all times means you’re more likely to keep drinking, which is important in Oaxaca’s heat 🥵
Getting sick in Oaxaca from the water is a crap shoot. It can happen whether or not you’re obsessing over it, so there’s definitely no point in doing so.
You now have several tips on how NOT to get sick in Mexico, so make good choices and enjoy your Oaxaca trip to the fullest.