can you drink the water in costa rica

In most parts of Costa Rica, especially in urban and popular tourist areas like San José, Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, and Jaco, the tap water is generally safe to drink. The country has a well-established water treatment and filtration system managed by the Costa Rican government and the National Water Institution (AyA), which ensures water quality meets safety standards. However, some rural and remote areas, particularly parts of the Caribbean Coast and certain beach or jungle locations, may have questionable water quality, and drinking bottled or filtered water is recommended there. The water is often hard, with higher mineral and chlorine concentrations, which may affect sensitive stomachs but is safe for most people to consume. Always checking with local accommodations about their water source in less developed areas is advisable.