Were you about to reach for a glass of tap water after a day spent under the scorching Mexican sun? Think twice before you do that.
Mexico’s tap water is polluted with disease-causing organisms, which makes it unsafe for drinking. Bottled water is the preferred choice of most Mexican locals and tourists.
The Current State of Tap Water in Mexico
Whether you are sunbathing on a beach in Cancun or enjoying a traditional meal in the restaurants of Mexico City — water is your must-have sidekick on your Mexican adventures.
But don’t take a sip just yet, as not all water is drinkable in Mexico!
The tap water in Mexico is polluted with disease-causing organisms, which is why the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has deemed it unsafe for drinking.
Because of this, locals and tourists stick to bottled water. Some sources report that up to 12% of the world’s bottled water is consumed in Mexico!
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) estimated that each Mexican consumed 253 liters of bottled water in 2014. Just for context, that same year, each person throughout Europe drank about 94.3 liters of bottled water.
The water in Mexico’s capital, according to the Guardian, runs in an array of colors, ranging from yellow to brownish. The flavor is described as chlorinated or metallic, with a muddy or gritty texture. But even water that doesn’t smell, taste, or appear strange contains harmful toxins that are invisible to the naked eye.
As of 2023, Mexico is the world leader in bottled water consumption. However, the country isn’t the only one with dangerously contaminated tap water. According to sources, 50% of the tap water in the United States is polluted, placing it second on the list of countries with the highest per-capita sales of bottled water.
Do you still think it’s okay to drink tap water in Mexico? Yeah, we figured you don’t. And for those still on the fence, let’s review the health risks of drinking contaminated water.
Side Effects of Drinking Tap Water in Mexico
Contaminants is an umbrella term for everything that pollutes drinking water, from chemicals and toxins to heavy metals and pharmaceuticals — yes, you’ve heard it right, medications may also end up in tap water.
Still, we can’t say for sure why Mexico’s water has become so contaminated. Plus, the water isn’t contaminated with the same severity throughout Mexico — some cities have cleaner water sources while others have very polluted ones.
Contamination happens in a variety of ways. In some states, maybe the infrastructure is outdated, while in others the water supply may have been polluted by a natural calamity.
These are just a few of the challenges that make it impossible to pinpoint the exact causes and contaminants in the water throughout the entire country. This is why we’ll focus on the general health risks associated with drinking contaminated tap water. But keep in mind that the risks vary depending on the specific contaminant.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Gastrointestinal Distress
The number one side effect of drinking contaminated tap water is digestive issues. You may experience nausea, diarrhea, stomach pains, and even lose your appetite (something we surely don’t want to happen in a country with some of the best cuisine).
Extremely polluted water may even lead to vomiting and bloody stool. Yikes.
2. Weak Immune System
Tap water contaminants like trihalomethanes (THMs), cryptosporidium, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) weaken the immune system.
If you compromise your immunity by drinking tap water on your vacation to Mexico, your body will have a hard time fighting infections and diseases, so you’ll be more vulnerable to other bacteria and viruses. This becomes an even bigger issue when we take into consideration that new and unfamiliar environments already put a lot of strain on your immune system.
3. More Severe Diseases
Long-term exposure to contaminated tap water may cause severe health issues, including hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, and dengue fever.
Health sources also state tap water is especially harmful to a child’s development, impacting their hormones, brain, fertility, and nervous system.
Arsenic has been linked to bladder, lung, and skin cancer.
Meanwhile, Chromium 6, sometimes found in contaminated tap water, can cause skin sores and burns.
Is the Ice in Mexico Contaminated?
No. The ice in Mexico isn’t contaminated, so you may go ahead and order your margarita!
Ice is usually made from purified water, plus the packaged ones sold in stores and marketplaces are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
If the bars and restaurants use manufactured ice, you should have no problems with it.
However, be aware that restaurants and bars in some smaller cities or suburbs could make their own ice with tap water, so it’s best to ask the waiters about it.
Nevertheless, contaminated ice shouldn’t be a problem in the tourist hotspots where thousands of guests flock to Mexico’s bars and restaurants. These places are usually well-maintained and keep their food and drinks compliant with health standards.
Brushing Teeth & Showering With Tap Water: Yay or Nay?
Using tap water for personal hygiene and maintenance, such as washing your teeth or showering, is safe if you don’t drink it.
Always rinse and spit to avoid accidentally drinking the water while brushing your teeth. If you have bottled water, even better — also use it to brush your teeth. As for showering, close your mouth and breathe through your nose.
Bottled Water is the Safest Water to Drink in Mexico
Good news: Bottled water is readily available wherever you travel in Mexico. In restaurants and bars, ask for “un bote de agua pura,” which translates to “one bottle of purified water.“
In markets, you will find bottles in many sizes. And while there are many brands, we recommend choosing local brands because imported water is typically more expensive.
Even better, many hotels in Mexico provide jugs of filtered water on their premises so visitors can drink it or refill their empty bottles. Just be sure not to accidentally drink from the tequila jugs instead — just kidding!
Some hotels even include a bottle or two of water in the hotel rooms. However, if you order extra, you may be charged for it. If this is the case with the hotel where you’re staying, you’re better off stopping at a marketplace rather than paying higher prices for water at your hotel. Now that’s an excellent way to save a few bucks and stay hydrated at the same time!
Conclusion
As a farewell, we wish you a wonderful trip to Mexico! Before going, don’t forget to inform your friends and relatives not to drink tap water. Staying hydrated while vacationing is extra important, as long as you’re ensuring the water is not a detriment to your health.
If you thought tap water couldn’t hurt you, but you’re starting to notice its ill effects, seek medical assistance at once.
