North America
Can you drink the tap water in North America?
Last reviewed September 2026
North America splits sharply: tap water in Canada and the United States is safe to drink almost everywhere, while Mexico and much of Central America are firmly in filter-or-bottled territory. On our index the 10 countries in North America average 54/100 — but that average hides a wide spread, from Canada (92) down to El Salvador (32). Scores above 70 mean tap water is generally safe to drink. 40–69 means treat it with caution — filtering or bottled water is wise. Below 40 means it’s best avoided straight from the tap.
Tap water safety in North America, ranked
Every country in North America, highest score first. Tap any country for its full breakdown.
Traveling in North America: what to do about tap water
Because the range across North America is so wide, the safe rule is to check the specific country before you go rather than assume the region is uniform. In any country scoring under 70, treat the tap water — a rolling boil handles microbes, a certified filter or sealed bottled water covers the rest, and it is worth being cautious with ice and raw produce too. Where a country scores 70 or above, the tap water is generally safe to drink and a refillable bottle is the cheaper, greener choice.
See also our guide on tap water safety while traveling and the full methodology.
Common questions about tap water in North America
Can you drink the tap water in North America?+
It varies by country. Of the 10 countries in North America on our index, 3 rate as safe to drink, 2 are best treated with caution, and 5 are best avoided from the tap. The safest is Canada (92/100); the least safe is El Salvador (32/100).
Which country in North America has the safest tap water?+
Canada, scoring 92/100 — safe to drink. Open its page for the full breakdown.
Do you need bottled water in North America?+
In the countries that score below 70 you should filter, boil, or buy bottled water; where a country scores 70+ the tap water is generally safe and bottled water is optional. Check the individual country before you travel — the range within North America is wide.