The tap water in Cabo San Lucas and the greater Los Cabos area is generally not recommended for consumption by visitors. While the municipal supply undergoes treatment, the aged infrastructure and distribution network introduce risks for contamination before the water reaches the tap. Travelers’ digestive systems are often unaccustomed to the local mineral content and micro-organisms, making them more susceptible to waterborne illness than long-term residents. Caution is mandatory for visitors to ensure a healthy trip.
Understanding Cabo’s Municipal Water Supply
Los Cabos sources its water primarily from aquifers and desalination plants, which is then treated to meet certain standards. However, water quality is not consistently maintained throughout the entire delivery system. The risk lies in the aging distribution network, which includes old pipes, leaks, and local storage tanks known as cisternas.
Contamination occurs when low water pressure allows ground contaminants to seep into the pipes, or when water sits in cisterns that are not consistently cleaned or maintained. The municipality is working to reduce “non-revenue water” lost through leaks, a figure estimated to be as high as 39% in Cabo San Lucas. Locals frequently rely on large, purified water jugs called garrafones for drinking, reinforcing the practice of avoiding tap water.
Essential Water Safety Practices for Visitors
The most effective strategy is to rely exclusively on commercially bottled water for all consumption, always checking that the bottle seal is intact. Guests can also seek out water from purified dispensers, often labeled as agua purificada, which are common in reputable hotels and resorts. Many high-end establishments use their own on-site purification systems, but it is prudent to confirm this at check-in.
Dental Hygiene and Produce
It is safest to use bottled water for brushing teeth, especially for rinsing the mouth after brushing. Avoiding accidental ingestion of unfiltered water is the surest way to prevent discomfort. Similarly, any fresh produce consumed raw, such as fruit or salad greens, should be washed with purified water rather than tap water.
Ice and Restaurant Practices
Most established restaurants and resorts in Los Cabos use purified water to produce their ice, making it safe for drinks. It is appropriate to ask the wait staff to confirm the source of their ice, particularly at smaller establishments. Guests should avoid water poured from an unmarked pitcher, sometimes referred to as agua de casa, unless the server explicitly states it is purified water from a reliable source.