Can You Drink the Water in Aruba in 2023?

As a tourist, can you drink the water in Aruba? Is it safe to drink? Is it clean? Here we will cover all the details you need to know on drinking tap water in Aruba.

When I was headed to Aruba for my very first visit, I found myself wondering, is Aruba’s drinking water safe? Can you drink the tap water in Aruba?

This was an essential thing to know in advance, as I was booking an apartment and planning to cook most of my meals there.

I’d be hiking in Arikok National Park and spending long days on the beaches in Aruba. And I just needed to know – could I rely on the tap water for hydration?

If not, I was going to have to factor in bottled water or water purification methods into my budget and timing.

If you are also wondering, can you drink the water in Aruba, I’m here to help clarify things! This way, you can enjoy your Aruba travels safely and armed with all the info. Let’s dive right in.

Can You Drink the Water in Aruba?

Yes, you can drink the water in Aruba. Aruba’s water has been rated safe for drinking by the World health Organization.

This means that the water in Aruba meets some of the highest standards internationally for providing clean, safe to drink water.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Aruba?

Yes, Aruba’s tap water is completely safe to drink! For travelers on a budget, this is the most convenient option for saving money.

For eco-conscious travelers, rest assured that you aren’t contributing to plastic waste on the island. By drinking the tap water in Aruba, you are basically getting two benefits for free.

Pro Tip: Before you go to Aruba, pick up the best refillable water bottle before you go. I absolutely love this one because it is double-walled and Keeps your drinks icy cold. It also has a handy carrying strap when you’re out and about, or can be slipped in your beach bag. GET YOUR WATER REFILLABLE BOTTLE HERE!

Is It safe to drink the water in Aruba?

Yes, it is completely safe to drink the water in Aruba with no further treatment or cleaning. Simply drink it straight from the tap.

Aruba’s waters have met the stringent control measures set forth by the World Health Organization. You can check the water standards here.

Can you have ice in Aruba?

Yes, you can have ice in your drinks in Aruba without worry for your health. Because the tap water is safe to drink in Aruba, any ice made from the tap water should in turn be equally safe.

In some countries you visit, tourists are repeatedly warned not to have ice in their drinks. In Aruba, rest assured, it is safe to do so.

Additionally, be aware that the tap water in Aruba can be warm straight from the faucet at times. The island floor consists of rock – picture the east coast’s sharp lava rocks – which can make digging difficult.

So, some of the piping is actually found above the ground. This means that the sun can sometimes heat up the clean water within.

What I did in Aruba was this. I refilled my two reusable water bottles each night and left them in the fridge. The double-walled insulation of these bottles kept my water ice cold.

Then, I had a third water bottle from the airplane, with which I did the same. I would drink the plastic airplane bottle first, and my remaining two would still be perfectly chilled throughout the day.

How Clean is Aruba Tap Water?

Aruba tap water is incredibly clean. In fact, it is almost hard to believe that it comes from the ocean. Aruba has the cleanest and best tasting tap water in all of the Caribbean.

They consistently rank as having some of the best-tasting water of any country, and as mentioned, they meet and even exceed the highest quality standards possible set by the World Health Organization.

Additional safety measures for Aruba’s water

If you tend to have a sensitive stomach, or simply feel the need to take extra precautions, you can consider bringing the following water purification items to Aruba.

Note that these are by no means required to make the water safe. These are suggested purely for anyone who tends to have a sensitive stomach or gets sick frequently when abroad.

Where Does Aruba Get Their Drinking Water?

Aruba’s drinking water comes straight from the ocean. It then needs to be purified in the desalination plant to make the water drinkable.

Does Aruba’s Water Have Chlorine In It?

Aruba’s water does not have the presence of chlorine in it. It is desalinated sea water. No post-distillate treatment is necessary, as Aruba mandates chlorine-free distillate water.

Can Americans Drink the Water in Aruba?

Yes, most Americans will have no problem whatsoever when drinking Aruba’s water! All people, both visitors and locals, can rest assured that they are drinking high quality clean water that was purified using reverse osmosis.

About The Aruba Desalination Plant

Since the island of Aruba does not have any significant natural freshwater sources, they need to go through specific processes in order to produce clean drinking water.

Aruba’s water is distilled in a saltwater desalination plant to be made drinkable. The plant is is known as as W.E.B., which is an acronym for the Dutch Water- en Energiebedrijf (Water and Energy Company).

For those unaware, Aruba is a Caribbean island with strong ties to the Netherlands. Therefore, some titles will be in Dutch.

The desalination plant opened in the year 2000 and is half the size of a football field. It’s pretty amazing that clean, drinkable water can be created from the salty ocean water.

Should you be interested in touring the W.E.B. plant, it can be arranged! While not a typical vacation activity, those who are interested in science or in learning something new may want to line this up.

To arrange a tour of the Aruba water desalination plant, call W.E.B. directly at +297 582 4700.

You May Also Like: Unique Things To Do in Aruba

Does Aruba Have Freshwater Sources?

No, Aruba does not have any significant freshwater sources on the island. Due to Aruba’s location, the most useful water source is directly from the ocean. From there, the water is then desalinated to become drinkable.

Water in Aruba FAQs

If you still have questions about Aruba’s water, hopefully these next few paragraphs hold the answers.

Is Bottled Water Expensive in Aruba?

Bottled water is generally not expensive in Aruba. Prices may be slightly higher due t shipping costs if it comes from outside the country. But in general, tourists should expect to pay roughly $2.50 USD for a 1.5 liter bottle of water in Aruba.

How Much is a Bottle of Water in Aruba?

A 1.5 liter bottle of water in Aruba will cost roughly $2.50 USD in the supermarket./ /in Aruba bottled water is fairly cheap.

Do Restaurants in Aruba Serve Tap Water?

Yes, restaurants in Aruba will typically serve you a glass of cold tap water with ice as soon as you are seated at the table. This is similar to how many restaurants in the USA serve water, as well. In Aruba, you will generally not be served bottled water unless you ask for it.

Can You Ask for Tap Water in Aruba Restaurants?

Yes, if you are not automictically served a glass of tap water at any Aruba restaurant, you can absolutely ask for one. And, because Aruba drinking water is safe and clean, you can drink it without worry.

You May Also Like: Is There Uber in Aruba? A Complete Transportation Guide

Is Water Free in Aruba Restaurants?

In Aruba, tap water will be free when taken from the faucet in your hotel, or in restaurants. If you want bottled water, it will cost money.

For more on Aruba money matters, check out this complete Aruba travel guide.

Is Water in Aruba Hard or Soft?

Aruba’s water is considered to be hard water. “Hard water” refers to water that contains high levels of non-harmful minerals, like magnesium and calcium.

Neither hard or soft water is inherently good or bad, but they do have pros and cons to each type. Hard water in particular can make your skin a bit drier over time, and can be harder to lather soap or shampoo in.

Since Aruba’s water is sourced from the ocean and desalinated, minerals may be added to improve the taste of the now-drinkable water.

Which Caribbean Country Has the Best Drinking Water?

While this questions may be relative, Aruba is one of, if not the best Some of the , drinking water in the Caribbean. Additionally, Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands have notably good drinking water.

The purification methods for water vary among different islands. The Cayman Islands rely on rainwater, groundwater, and desalination plants. Several other Caribbean islands employ a reverse osmosis filtration system similar to Aruba’s.

How safe is Aruba tap water?

Aruba’s tap water is incredibly safe. The desalination process is tried and true, and their drinking water consistently meets and exceeds the World Health Organization’s safety standards.

What should I be careful of in Aruba?

Visitor to Aruba should be mindful of the rip currents and rocky waters of the east coast, some dangerous creatures in the ocean, and should use caution while driving in Aruba. You can also check out my guide to safety in Aruba, particularly for solo females.

Which Caribbean island has the safest drinking water?

Aruba often wins the award of the safest drinking water, due to not only meeting but exceeding the World Health Organization’s safety standards for drinking water. The desalination plants are well-known for producing clean, tasty water.

Why is Aruba’s drinking water so good?

Aruba has a reputation for the best quality drinking water in the Caribbean. The desalination plants have their work cut out for them!

The desalination plant utilizes reverse osmosis to eliminate impurities and salt from the seawater, rendering it pure and safe for consumption. The reverse osmosis process replaced the prior thermal desalination units in 2010, offering improved cost and energy efficiency.

With a population of 80,000 and over 100,000 visitors each year, the plant work hard to create potable, and good tasting, water. In fact, it is often referred to as the “champagne of water.”

Aruba is known for having some of the best tap water in the world.

What is the main drink in Aruba?

One of the most famous drinks in Aruba is the Aruba Ariba, which is often served as a welcome drink in fancy hotels. Easily the most famous local cocktail, visitors should definitely try this drink. It is made with vodka, rum, Coecoei, Grand Mariner, crème de banana and fruit punch, plus a splash of Grenadine.

What do locals drink in Aruba?

Locals in Aruba drink everything from fresh tap water to the famous Aruba Ariba to an ice cold Coke. Many of the staples that you are used to having will be available in Aruba’s supermarkets and convenience stores.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip Aruba’s super tasty fresh tropical juices! They are delicious.

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Final Thoughts: Can You Drink The Water in Aruba?

Locals and tourists alike can drink tap water in Aruba free and without worry. In fact, Aruba’s tap water is among the purest and cleanest in the Caribbean, thanks to a state-of-the-art water desalination plant.

With around 40% of its energy coming from renewable sources like wind and solar power, Aruba’s advanced infrastructure ensures that its drinking water is safe and reliable.

Drinking tap water also helps keep the beautiful Aruba beaches clean, helping to make Aruba a popular destination for sun seekers in the Caribbean.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take a dip in the crystal clear ocean, you can rest assured knowing that Aruba’s tap water is free from salt and contaminants. Enjoying Aruba’s tap water is just one more way to enjoy its many charms!

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