Is the Water in Tulum Safe to Drink?

Heading to Tulum for your next adventure? A pressing question on your mind might be about the safety of drinking water in this picturesque destination. “Can I safely drink the tap water in Tulum, Mexico?” and “Is the water here safe to consume?” are common concerns among visitors.

The straightforward answer is NO.

It’s advisable not to drink the tap water in Tulum. The tap water across Mexico is generally not deemed safe for drinking — neither by residents nor tourists. No matter where I travel in Mexico, I personally never consume tap water and strongly advise against it. Even the locals don’t drink the tap water.

Keep reading to find out what options you have as a visitor to ensure you stay hydrated and healthy during your stay.

Tulum’s qualify of water

Why does the water in tulum make you sick?

Tulum’s water starts its journey from underground rivers and cenotes, which are connected to the Yucatan Peninsula’s vast aquifer system. The water gets a natural cleanse passing through limestone, but here’s the catch:

The setup for cleaning and moving water around in Tulum isn’t exactly top-notch.

This means by the time the water makes its grand entrance to the homes, hotels, and favorite hangouts, it’s not in its tip-top shape for drinking.

Common Concerns of the Water

• Contamination: Despite natural filtration, the risk of contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites remains high. This is due to various factors, including inadequate treatment facilities and the possibility of sewage seepage into water sources.
• Infrastructure Issues: Tulum has rapidly grown as a tourist destination, which has put a strain on its water infrastructure. The systems in place may not always ensure clean, safe water is delivered to every tap.
• Hard Water: The high mineral content, a characteristic of water that has percolated through limestone, can make the water “hard.” While not a health risk in itself, it can affect the taste and suitability of water for drinking.

drinking the water in tulum, mexico

How do the Tulum locals drink the water?

For many residents of Tulum, consuming tap water directly is not an option due to the reasons mentioned above.

Instead, they rely on a few tried-and-tested methods to ensure their drinking water is safe:

Bottled Water: The Go-To

Bottled water is king in Tulum. It’s not just for tourists; it’s a staple for everyone. You’ll see water delivery trucks zipping around, dropping off those big blue jugs at homes and businesses.

Water dispensers

Many households and businesses use large water dispensers, which hold purified water in 20-liter bottles. These dispensers are economical and reduce plastic waste compared to smaller bottles.

The eco Angle – Reusable water bottles

Speaking of being eco-friendly, Tulum locals are all about protecting their stunning environment. So while bottled water is popular, there’s a growing trend towards sustainability. Think reusable water bottles with filters, and businesses offering purified water to refill your bottle. It’s all about keeping Tulum beautiful and trash-free.

Boil the water

Boiling is an old-school but gold-standard method to make sure your water is safe to sip. Boiling zaps away anything that shouldn’t be there, and making it all good for drinking.

What happens if you drink the tap water?

Well, it’s not the best idea. Drinking untreated tap water here might introduce you to some not-so-friendly bacteria or viruses, leading to a less-than-ideal vacation souvenir, like traveler’s diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, or other stomach troubles.

It’s pretty common for tourists to experience some form of tummy trouble when they’re not careful about their water intake.

The thing is, locals have built up a resistance to many of the microorganisms in their water, but visitors? Not so much. So, even though not every sip of tap water will make you sick, the risk is definitely higher for those just visting Tulum.

It’s a gamble, and not the fun kind. Better safe than sorry, so stick to bottled water, boiling it, or using a purifier. This way, you can enjoy Tulum’s vibes without the unwanted souvenir of a stomach bug.

What to do if you get sick in Tulum

If you’re feeling super rough, like “I can’t even” levels of sick, head to the nearest hospital pronto.

But if you’re not in immediate danger yet still battling with vomiting or diarrhea, don’t just brush it off. These symptoms can lead to dehydration quicker than you can say “agua.” There are remedies at the pharmacy that can help ease those sypmtoms. There are usually doctors at the pharmacy that can help assess the situation and provide the proper medication.

So, see a doctor as soon as possible to get things under control.