Can You Drink Tap Water in Jordan? (2026) Safety Guide

Quick Reference

Key Statistics

Water Infrastructure & Supply

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with per capita freshwater availability well below the internationally recognized water poverty line of 500 m per year. The country has relied on a combination of groundwater extraction, surface water from the Yarmouk River and King Abdullah Canal, and increasingly on desalinated brackish water to meet demand. The influx of refugees since 2011 has placed additional enormous strain on an already stressed system.

Water in Amman is managed by Miyahuna, a utility under the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ), and is treated and chlorinated at the source. However, due to intermittent supply , most Jordanian households receive piped water only 1-3 times per week , residents rely heavily on rooftop storage tanks. These tanks are often poorly maintained, exposing stored water to bacterial growth, sediment buildup, and temperature fluctuations that degrade quality between the treatment plant and the consumer's tap.

Major infrastructure projects are underway, most notably the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (also known as the National Water Carrier), which aims to desalinate Red Sea water and pump it to Amman and other cities by 2028. The Disi Water Conveyance Project, completed in 2013, already brings fossil groundwater from the southern Disi aquifer to Amman. International donors including USAID, the EU, and KfW continue to invest in network rehabilitation to reduce the country's extremely high non-revenue water losses of approximately 50%.

Contamination & Health Risks

The primary health risk from Jordanian tap water is not at the treatment plant level but at the last mile , specifically in rooftop storage tanks and aging distribution pipes. Studies by the Jordan Ministry of Health and international organizations have found elevated coliform bacteria counts in household tap water samples, particularly during summer months when tank water temperatures rise. In rural areas and refugee camp settings, contamination risks are higher, with occasional detection of E. coli and elevated nitrate levels from agricultural runoff.

Heavy metals including lead and iron can leach from older galvanized pipes still present in parts of Amman's older neighborhoods and other cities. The high mineral content of Jordanian water, while not necessarily a health hazard, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in travelers unaccustomed to it. Chlorine residuals can also be inconsistent by the time water reaches the tap after extended tank storage.

For travelers, the practical risk is primarily traveler's diarrhea from consuming tap water or ice made from tap water. This is especially relevant in budget accommodations, smaller restaurants, and rural tourist areas like Dana Nature Reserve or desert camps in Wadi Rum. Higher-end hotels in Amman, Aqaba, and near Petra often use additional filtration systems, but visitors should still verify this rather than assume safety.

Regional Water Quality Breakdown

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Always drink bottled or filtered water in Jordan. Ask for water by saying 'mai ma'daniyeh' ( ) for mineral water or 'mai' (/) for water in general at restaurants and shops.
• Invest in a portable water filter bottle like a Grayl GeoPress or LifeStraw Go , it's invaluable for the Jordan Trail, Wadi Rum desert camps, and reducing plastic waste during your trip.
• Avoid ice in drinks at smaller local restaurants and street food stalls, as it may be made from unfiltered tap water. In upscale hotels and international chain restaurants, ice is usually made from purified water.
• When buying bottled water, check that the seal is intact and the bottle hasn't been exposed to prolonged sun, which can cause chemical leaching from the plastic , especially important in Jordan's extreme summer heat.
• Wash or peel fruits and vegetables using bottled or filtered water before eating them raw. Cooked food is generally safe regardless of the water source used in preparation.
• In Petra, carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person per day, as the site is vast and extremely hot. Purchase water before entering, as prices from vendors inside the site are significantly marked up.
• Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally fine in Amman and major cities, but use bottled water in remote areas like Wadi Rum or Dana Nature Reserve where water sources are less reliable.
• If you experience gastrointestinal issues, oral rehydration salts (ORS) are available at Jordanian pharmacies without prescription , ask for 'amlah al-tajfaf' ( ) or simply 'ORS.'

Bottled Water Availability & Cost

Bottled water is widely available throughout Jordan at convenience stores, supermarkets, hotels, and tourist sites. Popular local brands include Nestl Pure Life, Delta, and Tannoureen. A 500ml bottle typically costs 0.25-0.50 JOD (approximately $0.35-0.70 USD), while a 1.5-liter bottle ranges from 0.35-0.75 JOD ($0.50-1.05 USD). Prices can be 2-3 times higher at tourist sites like Petra and in hotel minibars.

Buying water in bulk from supermarkets like Carrefour, Sameh Mall, or Cozmo is significantly cheaper , a pack of six 1.5-liter bottles can cost around 1.50-2.50 JOD ($2.10-3.50 USD). To reduce plastic waste, travelers are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter, such as a LifeStraw or Grayl, which can safely purify Jordanian tap water. This is especially practical for multi-day treks like the Jordan Trail where bottled water access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions