Can You Drink Tap Water in Azerbaijan? Water Safety Guide
Is tap water safe to drink in Baku? Honest advice on water quality, bottled water prices, and staying hydrated in Azerbaijan.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Azerbaijan? Water Safety Guide
This is a simple question with a simple answer, but getting it wrong can ruin your trip.
The Short Answer 🚫
No, do not drink the tap water in Azerbaijan.
While the government says the water in Baku is treated and technically safe, the pipe infrastructure is old. Most locals and expats do not drink directly from the tap.
- In Baku: Do not drink tap water. Use it for washing and brushing teeth only.
- In Regions: Definitely do not drink tap water unless it's from a natural mountain spring (bulaq) that locals swear by.
What to Do Instead 🚰
- Boil It: If you are staying in an Airbnb, boil the tap water for tea/coffee. That is perfectly safe.
- Buy Bottled Water: It is cheap and available everywhere.
- Use Filters: Many households have installed reverse osmosis filters. If your host has a separate small tap on the sink, that is filtered water and safe to drink.
Bottled Water Brands & Prices 💧
You will see these brands everywhere:
- Sirab (Premium, sparkling or still)
- Badamli (Famous brand)
- Slavyanka
- Bonaqua
Cost:
- Small bottle (0.5L): 0.30 - 0.50 AZN ($0.18 - $0.30)
- Large bottle (1.5L): 0.60 - 1.00 AZN ($0.35 - $0.60)
- 5L Jug: ~2 AZN ($1.20)
Sparkling vs. Still 🫧
Be careful when buying!
- Qazlı: Sparkling (Gas)
- Qazsız: Still (No Gas)
If you shake the bottle and it's hard, it's sparkling.
Summary
- Tap Water: ❌ Don't drink.
- Brushing Teeth: ✅ Safe.
- Boiled Water (Tea): ✅ Safe.
- Ice Cubes: ⚠️ Usually safe in good restaurants, but avoid in street stalls.
Stay hydrated!