Can You Drink Tap Water in Solomon Islands?

Tap water in Solomon Islands is not safe to drink anywhere in the archipelago. Water infrastructure is severely limited across this nation of nearly 1,000 islands scattered across the southwestern Pacific. Even in Honiara, the capital on Guadalcanal, the water supply system is inadequate and contamination is a documented concern. Solomon Islands has historically had low rates of access to safe drinking water.

In Honiara, the water is treated but supply is intermittent and the aging distribution infrastructure means water quality at the tap is unreliable. Most international visitors — primarily NGO workers, divers, and WWII history enthusiasts — rely on bottled water throughout their stay. Hotels catering to international visitors provide bottled water as standard. The city's famous WWII relics including Iron Bottom Sound are the primary historical draw for visitors.

The Western Province — including the dive destinations of Munda, Gizo, and the New Georgia Group — is the main tourism area outside Honiara. World-class dive sites including the wreck of the USS Grunion, Mbike Island, and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Marovo Lagoon attract divers from around the world. Dive operators and liveaboard vessels in this region manage water safely for guests. Do not drink from local taps or village water sources at any point during dive expeditions.

The outer islands of the Solomons — Malaita, Makira, Choiseul, Isabel, and the Temotu Province — have essentially no treated water infrastructure. Communities rely on rainwater catchment, springs, and rivers. Any travel to these islands requires carrying a quality filter and adequate bottled water supply from Honiara.

Cholera outbreaks have historically affected Solomon Islands, underscoring the importance of treating all water sources. Use sealed bottled water throughout the country and a quality filter for all travel beyond the main hotels.