Can You Drink Tap Water in Liberia?

Tap water in Liberia is not safe to drink for visitors. Fourteen years of civil war that ended in 2003 devastated the country's water infrastructure, and despite significant reconstruction efforts supported by international aid, water treatment systems remain severely limited. Even in Monrovia, the capital, tap water is not reliably safe for consumption.

Monrovia, built on a peninsula at the mouth of the Mesurado River on the Atlantic coast, has limited water treatment infrastructure managed by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation. Supply is intermittent and quality unreliable. Hotels serving the NGO and diplomatic community provide bottled or filtered water for guests. Bottled water is available in supermarkets and shops in the capital.

Liberia's extraordinary Atlantic beaches — particularly around Robertsport in the northwest and Buchanan on the southeast coast — are growing in popularity as surf and eco-tourism destinations. Guesthouses and surf camps in these areas provide bottled water for guests. Confirm water source with your accommodation on arrival at any beach destination.

Sapo National Park in southeastern Liberia is one of West Africa's largest remaining primary rainforests and a significant ecotourism destination. The park has essentially no visitor water infrastructure beyond what operators manage for their groups. A quality filter is absolutely essential for any expedition into Sapo, and your operator will manage water supply for guided groups.

Use sealed bottled water throughout Liberia for drinking and brushing teeth. Carry a portable filter for travel outside Monrovia and established accommodation. Liberia experienced a devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014–2016 that severely impacted health infrastructure, though this has since been rebuilt with international support.