Tap water in Oman

Generally safe to drink

The WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water within reach of 98% of people in Oman. National figures describe a country, not the tap in front of you.

What the sources say

WHO / UNICEF JMP

98% of the population has safely managed drinking water, meaning it is free from contamination at the point of use.

US CDC Travelers' Health

Advises travellers that tap water is generally not safe to drink in Oman.

Numbeo

70.08/100 on the water drinkability and accessibility index, which Numbeo reads as “High”. This one is crowdsourced from residents rather than measured.

Lonely Planet

Tap water is safe to drink in main towns throughout Oman. Filling up containers with water from the hotel is an option but don't underestimate the amount of water required for long journeys in summer. Don't drink from mountain irrigation channels as these are often contaminated by grazing animals.

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 402$ a year in Oman, and keep several hundred plastic bottles out of circulation.

Work out your own saving

Places in Oman

Water quality is local. These places have their own readings.

Elsewhere in Asia