Asia
Kolkata
India
Quick Answer
Use filtered or bottled water.
Concerned About Water in Kolkata?
A reliable water filter is yes (recommended) for this destination.
🛒Get a Travel Water Filter on Amazon→Detailed Guidance
Water treatment meets standards, but aging pipes can introduce contaminants. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Tap Water Usage Guide
Brush Teeth
Use bottled water
Ice Cubes
Avoid
Wash Fruit
Peel or wash with bottled water
Shower
Yes
Restaurants
Varies (often bottled is preferred)
Locals Drink
Mixed (many filter/boil)
Water Quality Score
Water Quality
Poor
Water Source
Kolkata’s supply is primarily surface water drawn from the Hooghly River (part of the Ganges system) and supplemented by groundwater, treated at municipal plants. Aging distribution pipes and intermittent supply can lead to contamination after treatment.
Travel Safety Information
Pickpocket Risk
Moderate
Night Safety
Mostly safe
Scam Risk
Moderate
English Level
High
Best Time to Visit
October to March
🛒 Don't Forget Your Travel Essential
A water filter is yes (recommended) for Kolkata. Stay safe and hydrated.
View on Amazon→Other Cities in India
Delhi
India
Avoid drinking tap water — use bottled or properly filtered/boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth; avoid ice and wash or peel produce with bottled/boiled water.
Mumbai
India
Water treatment meets standards, but aging pipes can introduce contaminants. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
Bangalore
India
Avoid drinking tap water; use bottled or reliably filtered/boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice or raw salads unless you know they were prepared with safe water.
Chennai
India
Avoid drinking tap water; use sealed bottled water or boiled/filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Wash or peel fruit using bottled water and avoid ice unless you know it's made from purified water.