Re: Basic Question - Tap Water in Suva

It is very much safe!

Is the tap water in Suva safe to drink, or should we stick to bottled water?

Officially the tap water in Nadi and Suva and in your mainland resort is safe to drink. Unofficially, any Fijian will tell you it’s an acquired taste, and not recommended for visitors.

Outside the main cities, in rural areas and on the smaller islands the main water supply is tank water and it’s not always safe. The resorts on these islands will often do a little “extra”, take their own precautions, which is why you might notice a strong chlorine smell to the water.

In addition they’ll usually supply you with plenty of bottled water. Use it for brushing your teeth as well as drinking. If you're travelling with children, try to teach them to keep their mouths closed while in the shower or bath.

If you're sticking to the main resorts you're unlikely to be exposed to typhoid, but if you're going to rural areas you should follow these tips to avoid becoming ill.

Thank you Cosmopolitan. Your information echoes that which I received on another forum as well. I think we will play it safe and stick to bottled water.

In Suva I clean my teeth with tap water and also use tap water for cooking and cups of tea, and have done that all the times I've been here in the last three years, but do drink bottled water. I think you said you had a car so I would get a bit bottle and decant as needed.

I was an expat living in Suva for almost 2 years. I didn't know any Fijians or expats in the city that drank bottled water at home. The tap water tastes fine and is safe.

If you do want to drink filtered / bottled water, please find somewhere to buy large "water cooler" style containers and don't contribute to the plastic waste in the Pacific.