North America
New Orleans
United States of America
Quick Answer
Use filtered or bottled water.
Concerned About Water in New Orleans?
A reliable water filter is yes (recommended) for this destination.
🛒Get a Travel Water Filter on Amazon→Detailed Guidance
The city's tap water is treated and generally potable, but due to aging service lines and occasional boil advisories it's safest for tourists to drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice from uncertain sources. Use bottled or filtered water to rinse produce if you're concerned.
Tap Water Usage Guide
Brush Teeth
Yes
Ice Cubes
Avoid
Wash Fruit
Peel or wash with bottled water
Shower
Yes
Restaurants
Varies (often available on request)
Locals Drink
Mixed (many filter/boil)
Water Quality Score
Water Quality
Poor
Water Source
New Orleans' water is drawn primarily from the Mississippi River and treated at municipal purification plants (coagulation, filtration, chlorination). Some older neighborhoods have lead service lines and the system can be vulnerable to storm-related disruptions, which occasionally prompt boil-water advisories.
Travel Safety Information
Pickpocket Risk
Moderate
Night Safety
Caution
Scam Risk
Moderate
English Level
Native
Best Time to Visit
February to May and October to November
🛒 Don't Forget Your Travel Essential
A water filter is yes (recommended) for New Orleans. Stay safe and hydrated.
View on Amazon→Other Cities in United States of America
New York City
United States of America
New York City tap water is generally safe to drink, so most visitors can drink, brush teeth, and refill bottles from the tap. If you are staying in an older building with old plumbing, consider using a simple lead filter or bottled water as a precaution.
Los Angeles
United States of America
Los Angeles tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, but it can taste chlorinated and is fairly hard; use a small filter or bottled water if you’re sensitive to taste or have a weak stomach.
Chicago
United States of America
Chicago tap water is treated and generally safe to drink, but if you’re staying in an older building or are pregnant/immunocompromised consider using a short-term pitcher or NSF-certified filter or bottled water.
San Francisco
United States of America
San Francisco tap water is treated and safe to drink straight from the tap; if you prefer, use a simple carbon filter for taste or to reduce trace chloramine. Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it.