Drinking Water
Tap water in South Africa is considered to be amongst the cleanest and safest in the world, and is completely safe when taken from a tap (faucet). The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry recently stated that the country’s national standard compares well with the World Health Organisation’s standards. Our water is rich in minerals and is quite sweet tasting. Some tap and natural water may have a slight brown tinge from humic acid, which is harmless and does not affect drinking water quality in South Africa.
Drinking the water from rivers and streams in populated areas should be avoided as the water generally carries water borne diseases. It is however quite safe to drink from an unpolluted mountain stream or spring.
Numerous brands of bottled water (sparkling flavoured and still) is also widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores throughout South Africa.
