is tap water safe to drink in morocco
Can I Drink the Tap Water in Morocco? Tourist Safety Guide
This is one of the most important health-related questions travelers ask before visiting the country and with good reason. Morocco is a modern, welcoming destination with growing infrastructure, but water safety remains a concern for tourists, especially those visiting for a short time or traveling with children.
While Moroccan tap water is treated and commonly consumed by locals, it is not recommended for tourists. Differences in bacteria, mineral content, and plumbing systems can easily cause digestive issues for visitors who are not accustomed to the local water. Even travelers staying in luxury hotels or visiting major cities often experience stomach discomfort after drinking tap water.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find clear, honest, and location-specific answers about drinking tap water in Morocco, brushing your teeth, water safety for kids and toddlers, the best drinking water options for tourists, and how to avoid food poisoning. This article is designed to give you confidence so you can enjoy Morocco without unnecessary health worries.
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Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Morocco? (Quick & Clear Answer)
No, tourists should not drink tap water in Morocco.
Although Morocco has a national water treatment system and tap water meets local safety standards, it is not considered stomach-safe for most visitors. The issue is not pollution or neglect it’s adaptation. Locals grow up drinking this water and their digestive systems adjust over time. Tourists, on the other hand, are suddenly exposed to new bacteria, minerals, and microorganisms their bodies are not used to.
Many travelers report stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or dehydration after drinking tap water even in small amounts. This can happen in the first few days of arrival, when the body is already adjusting to climate, food, and travel fatigue.
Another important factor is plumbing. In many cities, especially older medinas, water travels through aging pipes before reaching your tap. Even if the water leaves the treatment plant clean, it can pick up contaminants along the way.
What this means for travelers:
Not recommended for drinking
Risk increases for short stays
Not safe for children or toddlers
Bottled or filtered water is the safest choice
Bottom line:
Tap water in Morocco may be safe for locals, but it is not tourist-safe. Choosing bottled or filtered water is one of the easiest ways to avoid illness while traveling.
How Morocco’s Tap Water System Works (And Why Tourists Still Get Sick)
Morocco has invested heavily in water treatment infrastructure, particularly in large cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. Municipal water is treated using standard filtration and chlorination methods, and on paper, it meets national health regulations.
However, the problem for tourists begins after treatment.
First, water often travels long distances through old pipe networks, especially in historic city centers. These pipes may introduce bacteria or sediment that locals tolerate but tourists do not. Second, Moroccan tap water tends to have high mineral content, which can upset stomachs even when no harmful bacteria are present.
Another overlooked issue is inconsistency. Water quality can vary:
Between neighborhoods
Between old medinas and new districts
Between seasons (especially summer)
Hotels and riads usually rely on municipal water unless they install their own filtration systems. Unless a hotel clearly states that tap water is filtered and safe for drinking, it should not be consumed.
Unique insight:
Many travelers assume that staying in a 4- or 5-star hotel guarantees safe tap water. In Morocco, luxury does not always equal filtered water. Always confirm.
Can Tourists Drink Tap Water in Morocco?
For short-term visitors, the answer remains no.
Tourists are far more vulnerable to digestive issues because their bodies have not adapted to local water bacteria. Even travelers with strong stomachs or experience in other countries often struggle in Morocco if they drink tap water.
This is especially true if:
You are visiting for less than one month
You are changing cities frequently
You are exposed to heat and dehydration
You already have a sensitive stomach
Many cases of “food poisoning” reported by travelers are actually water-related, not caused by Moroccan food. Even swallowing small amounts such as when taking medication can cause discomfort for some people.
Best practice for tourists:
Drink only bottled or filtered water
Use bottled water for medication
Avoid accidental swallowing in the shower
If you are staying long-term (several months), some expats gradually adapt to tap water, but this should never be attempted during a short holiday.
Is It Safe to Brush Your Teeth with Tap Water in Morocco?
For most adults, yes brushing your teeth with tap water is generally safe, as long as you do not swallow it.
Moroccan tap water used for brushing typically does not cause problems because the amount ingested is very small. However, travelers with sensitive stomachs or weakened immunity may still prefer bottled water, especially during the first few days.
Recommended approach:
Adults: Tap water is usually fine for brushing
Sensitive travelers: Use bottled water
Children & toddlers: Bottled water strongly recommended
If you accidentally swallow a small amount, it’s unlikely to cause serious illness but repeated exposure increases risk.
Pro tip:
If you’re staying in Morocco for a short time, using bottled water for brushing is a simple extra precaution that eliminates unnecessary risk.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Moroccan Cities? (City-by-City Guide)
Marrakech
Tap water is treated but not safe for tourists to drink. High mineral content and old pipes are common causes of stomach issues.
Casablanca
Despite being Morocco’s most modern city, tap water is not recommended. Plumbing age varies widely.
Fes
Tap water is known for its mineral-heavy composition. Avoid drinking it entirely.
Tangier
Treated water is available, but tourists should still rely on bottled water.
Agadir
Water quality is better than in some cities, yet bottled water remains the safest option.
Essaouira
Coastal humidity and pipe conditions make bottled water the best choice.
Taghazout
Water infrastructure varies by area do not drink tap water.
No Moroccan city is considered tourist-safe for tap water consumption.
Is Tap Water Safe for Kids and Toddlers in Morocco?
Absolutely not, Children and toddlers should never drink tap water in Morocco.
Children are more sensitive to bacteria and dehydration. Even mild stomach upset can become serious quickly, especially in warm weather
For families traveling in Morocco:
Use bottled water for drinking
Use bottled or boiled water for baby formula
Use bottled water for brushing teeth
Avoid ice completely
This is one of the most important safety rules for parents visiting Morocco.
Can Brits and Europeans Drink Tap Water in Morocco?
No, being used to UK or EU water standards does not protect you in Morocco. British and European travelers frequently report digestive issues after drinking Moroccan tap water, even when staying in good hotels.
The difference lies in:
Bacterial composition
Mineral balance
Pipe systems
Nationality does not equal immunity.
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Best and Safest Drinking Water for Tourists in Morocco
The safest water options are:
✔️ Sealed bottled water (cheap and everywhere)
✔️ Filtered water in reputable hotels
✔️ Boiled water (cooled before drinking)
Avoid:
❌ Ice in small cafés
❌ Refilled bottles
❌ Street juices mixed with tap water
Always check that bottled water seals are intact.
How to Avoid Food Poisoning in Morocco
To avoid food poisoning in Morocco, eat freshly cooked food that is served hot, choose busy restaurants and popular street food stalls with high customer turnover, drink only sealed bottled or properly filtered water, and avoid ice unless it is made from purified water; practice good hand hygiene by washing hands before meals or using hand sanitizer, eat fruits you can peel yourself, avoid raw vegetables and salads unless washed with safe water, stick to pasteurized dairy products, and ease into local cuisine during your first days by following these simple precautions, most travelers enjoy Moroccan food safely, as food-related illness is uncommon when basic hygiene and smart food choices are observed.
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Quick Takeaways: Tap Water in Morocco
Do not drink tap water in Morocco as a traveler
Bottled water is cheap and widely available
Avoid ice cubes and raw produce
Filter bottles are a sustainable alternative
Hotels often provide safe drinking water
Prepare for dehydration and stomach issues
Final Verdict: Should You Drink Tap Water in Morocco?
No. Tourists should not drink tap water in Morocco. Stick to bottled or filtered water, especially for children, and you will avoid most health problems travelers experience. With the right precautions, Morocco is a safe, unforgettable destination.
Morocco is a spectacular destination filled with culture, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences but staying healthy starts with smart water choices. While locals may safely drink tap water in Morocco, travelers should avoid it to prevent illness and discomfort. By choosing bottled, filtered, or purified water and avoiding common mistakes like ice cubes and raw produce, you can enjoy your trip with confidence.
Book your Morocco trip with confidence and travel safely from day one.
─── Your questions, our answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team is here to answer your Morocco Travel questions and ensure a smooth, memorable journey through Morocco.
Can you drink tap water in Morocco?
No, travelers are not advised to drink tap water in Morocco. While tap water is treated and commonly consumed by locals, visitors may experience stomach issues due to unfamiliar bacteria, minerals, or old pipe systems. Bottled or filtered water is the safest choice for travelers.
Is tap water in Morocco safe in major cities like Marrakech or Casablanca?
Even in major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes, tap water in Morocco is not recommended for tourists. Although city water is treated, aging infrastructure and different water composition can still cause digestive problems for visitors.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Morocco?
Yes, most travelers can safely brush their teeth with tap water in Morocco. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are immunocompromised, using bottled or filtered water for brushing is a safer option.
Is ice made from tap water safe in Morocco?
Usually no. Ice cubes in Morocco are often made from tap water, which may not be safe for travelers. To avoid illness, always ask for drinks without ice, especially outside high-end hotels.
What is the safest water to drink in Morocco?
The safest options are:
Sealed bottled water
Filtered water using a travel purification bottle
Boiled water (when bottled water is unavailable)
These alternatives help travelers avoid health issues linked to tap water in Morocco.
Kate Carter
Family Travel Blogger
Kate Carter is a mom and travel blogger who fell in love with Morocco’s culture and warmth. Through Morocco Family Vacation, she shares tips and stories to help travelers enjoy authentic, stress-free experiences. Join us along the way.
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