Yes, the tap water in Treasure Beach is treated and safe to drink. Jamaica’s public water supply is chlorinated and meets drinking water standards, and locals drink it daily.
That said, most visitors drink bottled water for at least the first few days, and there is a sensible reason for it.
Why some visitors prefer bottled water
It is rarely about contamination. Water in different parts of the world carries different mineral content and different local bacteria — both harmless to residents, both capable of unsettling a stomach that is not used to them.
If you have a sensitive digestive system, or you simply do not want to gamble on the first days of a holiday, bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.
Practical advice
- Ice in bars and restaurants is made from the same treated supply and is generally fine.
- Brushing your teeth with tap water is not a problem.
- Bottled water is inexpensive locally. Buying a few large bottles is cheaper than small ones.
- Stay ahead of the heat. Dehydration catches more visitors out than water quality does — 80–90°F with sun and sea air gets through fluid faster than people expect.
At Butterfly Hill
Our staff keep drinking water available throughout your stay, and our chef uses treated water for cooking and for preparing fresh juices. If you have a strong preference for a particular bottled brand, tell us before you arrive and we will have it in.
See also: is Treasure Beach safe?