Tap water in Chile
Generally safe to drink
The WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water within reach of 99% of people in Chile. National figures describe a country, not the tap in front of you.
What the sources say
99% of the population has safely managed drinking water, meaning it is free from contamination at the point of use.
Advises travellers that tap water is generally safe to drink in Chile.
56.54/100 on the water drinkability and accessibility index, which Numbeo reads as “Moderate”. This one is crowdsourced from residents rather than measured.
The tap water in Chile's cities is generally safe but has a high mineral content that can cause stomach upsets; bottled water is a good idea for delicate stomachs and in the north. Vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective means of water purification. At altitudes greater than 2000m, boil for three minutes. You can also disinfect water with iodine pills, a water filter or Steripen.
Safe nationally still means ask locally. Older buildings can carry lead or copper pipework, and a single street can differ from the network feeding it. If you are staying somewhere old, ask your host.
What bottled water costs you here
Drinking tap water instead of bottled would save one adult about 781$ a year in Chile, and keep several hundred plastic bottles out of circulation.
Work out your own savingPlaces in Chile
Water quality is local. These places have their own readings.