Water Quality in Ghana: Guide for Expats and Remote Workers

Moving to Ghana or planning an extended stay? One crucial topic to understand is water quality in Ghana and how it might affect your daily life. Ensuring safe drinking water is a top priority for expats, digital nomads, and long-term visitors. In this guide, we’ll explore Ghana’s urban vs. rural water conditions, the common sources of water (from city taps to “pure water” sachets), compare the safety and cost of options like bottled vs. tap water, explain Ghana’s water quality standards, and provide tips to purify water. By the end, you’ll know what to drink, what to avoid, and how to stay healthy and hydrated in Ghana.

Urban vs. Rural Water Quality in Ghana

City water vs. village water: Ghana’s urban centers like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi benefit from municipal water systems operated by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). These city supplies are treated at water treatment plants (usually with filtration and chlorine) and piped to homes. In theory, piped tap water in major cities meets basic safety standards when it leaves the treatment plant. However, due to aging infrastructure and intermittent supply, water quality in Ghana’s cities can be inconsistent by the time it reaches the tap. Leaks and low pressure in Accra’s pipe network sometimes let in contaminants, and many neighborhoods face water rationing that forces residents to store water in tanks. Stored water can grow bacteria if tanks aren’t cleaned regularly.

Rural water realities: In contrast, rural and small town communities often lack any central piped supply. Instead, villagers rely on boreholes, hand-dug wells, rivers, and rainwater. Groundwater from deep boreholes is usually clearer and safer than surface water, and many villages have boreholes fitted with hand pumps for drinking water. Even so, not all boreholes are clean, if a borehole is poorly placed or not maintained, it can be contaminated (for example by nearby latrines or minerals like iron). Open wells and streams are riskier: one survey in rural Ghana found that while most borehole samples had low contamination risk, the vast majority of water from hand-dug wells and surface sources contained harmful bacteria. In fact, as of 2023, about 11% of Ghana’s population still drinks from unsafe surface waters like rivers or lakes. These unprotected sources are prone to fecal contamination, especially during rains.

Urban vs. rural habits: Because of these differences in water quality in Ghana’s regions, usage patterns vary. In cities, many locals and expats alike do not drink directly from the tap – they turn to delivered water, bottled water or the ubiquitous sachet water (small plastic pouches) for daily drinking. In rural areas, people may boil water from wells or treat it with chlorine tablets if they have them, but often they drink directly from what’s available. Unfortunately, **76% of households in Ghana are at risk of drinking water contaminated with fecal bacteria** according to UNICEF. Contributing factors include lack of household water treatment and the challenge of transporting water, only 4% of Ghanaian households treat their water before drinking. This stark statistic underscores why expats must be vigilant about water quality and treatment no matter where in Ghana they settle.

Common Drinking Water Sources in Ghana

There are several common sources of drinking water in Ghana, each with different quality considerations. Whether you’re in an Accra apartment or a village homestay, you’ll likely encounter these options:

• Municipal Tap Water (GWCL supply): Piped water provided by Ghana Water Company in cities and some towns. It is treated (filtered and chlorinated) and generally safe at the treatment point. However, by the time it flows from your tap, quality may drop due to pipe breaks or low chlorine residual. Many expats avoid drinking unfiltered tap water. Tap water is very cheap (a typical utility bill might be only GH₵30–50 per month, about $5–$9), but you’ll likely need to boil or filter it for safe drinking.
• Boreholes and Wells: Common in rural Ghana. Boreholes (deep wells often with hand pumps) usually yield clean groundwater if properly constructed. Hand-dug wells are shallower and often exposed to runoff. Borehole water can be excellent, but sometimes it has minerals (iron, hardness) or gets contaminated by surface infiltration. These sources are free to use, aside from community maintenance fees. Quality varies: always check if locals consider a borehole safe, and when in doubt, treat the water.
• Sachet Water (“Pure Water”): Ubiquitous in Ghana, these are 500 ml sealed plastic sachets sold everywhere for about GH₵0.30–¢0.50 each (a few US cents). Sachet water is typically filtered and treated by small-scale producers and offers a convenient, cold drink on the go. Quality can be quite good if the brand is reputable, one study noted that using sachet water significantly reduces the risk of E. coli contamination at point-of-us. However, not all sachets are equal. There are hundreds of brands, and some operate without proper licenses. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana requires sachet producers to register and meet hygiene standards, yet enforcement is an ongoing challenge. Overall, sachets are more reliable than untreated tap water for expats, but it’s wise to stick to well-known brands. (On the downside, discarded plastic sachets create a serious litter problem in Ghana’s cities.)
• Bottled Water: Brand-name bottled waters (such as Voltic, Bel Aqua, AquaFill) are widely available in shops, restaurants, and hotels. These come in 500 ml, 1.5 L, and larger refillable jug formats. Bottled water is considered very safe to drink, companies use multi-stage filtration, reverse osmosis, or mineral springs, and the FDA regulates their production. Expats often rely on bottled water, especially when they first arrive. The drawbacks are cost and sustainability. Bottled water is the priciest option (a 1.5 liter bottle might cost around GH₵4–GH₵6, which adds up (50 Cents USD) and it generates plastic waste. Still, it’s the safest bet if you’re unsure about other sources.
• Surface Water (Rivers/Lakes): In certain rural areas, people fetch water from rivers, streams, or ponds, especially in the dry season when wells may dry up. These sources are unsafe to drink without treatment. They often contain bacteria, parasites, and sediment. As an expat or traveler, you should **avoid drinking directly from any surface water** in Ghana. Even locals usually boil or treat river water if it’s used at all for drinking. (Surface water is also where one can catch schistosomiasis parasites by wading or swimming, so it’s not just for drinking, avoid contact if possible.)
• Rainwater Harvesting: Some homes and lodges collect rainwater from gutters into tanks. Rainwater in Ghana is generally clean at the point of capture (and free of hardness or chlorine). However, it can pick up debris from roofs and bacteria if storage tanks are not closed and sanitized. If you have a rainwater catchment, use a proper filter and keep the tank clean. Rainwater is a nice supplemental source for chores or even drinking if treated, especially in the long rainy seasons, but it shouldn’t be assumed safe without filtering or boiling.

Together, these sources make up the water supply landscape in Ghana. Many Ghanaians mix and match, for example, using tap water for cooking but sachets for drinking, or borehole water for everything but treating it on occasion. As an expat, your approach to water will depend on what’s available in your area and your personal comfort level. The key is to understand that water quality in Ghana varies widely by source. Now, let’s compare the practical pros and cons of the most common options for drinking water: sachet water, bottled water, filtered tap water, and untreated water.

Sachet vs. Bottled vs. Tap – Safety, Cost & Convenience

When evaluating drinking water quality in Ghana, you’ll need to balance safety, cost, and convenience. Below is a quick comparison of four main categories of water sources for expats. Each has its advantages and drawbacks:

Note: Many expats start with bottled water in Ghana and gradually shift to using filtered tap water or trusted sachet water for daily hydration, once they become familiar with local water quality. Consider your own health needs, if you have a sensitive stomach or immune concerns, stick with the most secure options (bottled or thoroughly purified water).

Water Quality Standards and Regulations

Ghana has official standards and institutions tasked with keeping drinking water safe, though enforcement is an ongoing process. Here’s what expats should know about the regulatory framework and water quality standards in Ghana:

National standards: The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) sets the national standards for potable water (for example, GSA’s GS 175 standard specifies required water quality parameters). These standards align closely with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water safety, meaning limits on E. coli (zero tolerance in treated water), acceptable ranges for chemicals like nitrates, and so on. In practice, Ghana’s urban water quality targets are based on these standards, and water companies perform regular testing. Ghana Water Company Limited, for instance, has water quality assurance labs and must comply with GSA standards for the water it supplies. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) oversees rural water systems and also uses GSA standards as benchmarks.

Regulatory bodies: Several institutions share responsibility for water quality in Ghana. The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources sets broad policy. The Water Resources Commission protects water bodies (rivers, groundwater) from pollution. For drinking water, the key players are GWCL (for cities) and CWSA (for rural systems), they manage supply and quality control, and critically, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). The FDA is responsible for regulating packaged drinking water (sachet and bottled water). Any company producing sachet or bottled water must register with the FDA, which involves meeting hygiene standards, water testing, and proper labeling. As of late 2024, about 1,544 packaged water producers had valid FDA product registrations across Ghana. However, many small producers operate illegally or with expired licenses. The FDA conducts periodic crackdowns, for example, it recently suspended several unlicensed sachet water facilities for operating with expired registrations, citing Ghana’s Public Health Act which makes it illegal to sell water without proper licensing.

Enforcement and real-world situation: Despite regulations, challenges remain. Ghana’s authorities acknowledge that **bacteriological contamination of drinking water is widespread** in some areas. To address this, Ghana launched a National Drinking Water Quality Management Framework (NDWQMF) in 2015, promoting a risk-based approach (water safety plans) from source to tap. Under this framework, utilities and community providers are supposed to routinely test water and take preventive measures to stop contamination. Expats might notice that larger cities have water quality reports occasionally published, and bottled water brands often print an FDA registration number on their labels to show compliance.

When buying sachet or bottled water, always check for an FDA registration number or mark. The government and NGOs also run public education on safe water handling, because even if water is clean at the source, it can get contaminated by the point of use due to storage or dirty containers. Ghana Health Service and organizations like UNICEF urge households to treat or boil water, but as noted, 93% of households do not treat water before drinking. In short, Ghana has modern standards on paper and active regulators, but you should still personally ensure the water you drink meets safety guidelines.

How to Purify Water in Ghana

No matter the source, you have multiple methods to make water safer for drinking. It’s wise for expats to have at least one purification method on hand in Ghana, especially if you’ll be outside major cities or you experience water cuts. Here are reliable ways to purify water:

• Boiling: The simplest method, bring water to a rolling boil for 1-3 minutes to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Boiling is very effective for microbial safety. Let the water cool (covered to prevent recontamination). Downsides: it doesn’t remove chemical pollutants or dirt, and it requires fuel or electricity. In Ghana, many expats keep an electric kettle or stove kettle to boil drinking water daily. Remember that boiled water should be stored in a clean, covered container.
• Filtration: There are various water filters suitable for Ghana. For home use, you might use a gravity-fed ceramic filter (like the popular “candle” filters sold in markets), a countertop filter (Brita-type pitcher, though those mainly improve taste), or more advanced systems (e.g. reverse osmosis under the sink). Portable filters (like LifeStraw or Sawyer filters) are great for travel upcountry. Filters physically remove bacteria and parasites, and activated carbon stages can reduce chemicals and improve taste. Ensure you maintain and replace filter elements as recommended. A well-maintained filter can make tap or well water in Ghana much safer to drink by filtering out pathogens.
• UV Treatment: UV light devices (such as SteriPEN or other UV purifiers) can disinfect water by destroying microbes’ DNA. These are battery-operated wands or lamps that you stir in the water for a minute or two. UV works best with clear water (if water is cloudy, you should pre-filter it). It’s a convenient method – no taste change, but requires batteries/power. Some expats use UV purifiers when traveling to areas without treated water. Solar UV (SODIS method) is another low-tech option: filling a clear PET bottle and leaving it in direct sun for 6+ hours can kill many microbes using the sun’s UV rays – an emergency method if nothing else is available.
• Chemical Purification: Common chemicals are water purification tablets or drops, typically using chlorine or iodine compounds. In Ghana, you can buy Aquatabs (chlorine tablets) in pharmacies or outdoor shops. Follow the instructions (usually one tablet per liter, wait 30 minutes). Chlorine tablets are effective against bacteria and viruses, not always against some parasites, but generally they make water potable. The water will have a mild chlorine taste/odor – you can neutralize iodine taste with vitamin C or use flavored drink mixes if the taste bothers you. Another chemical method is household bleach: in a pinch, you can add 2 drops of plain unscented bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) per liter of clear water and let it sit 30 minutes. Many rural NGOs in Ghana promote chlorine disinfection for villagers as it’s cheap and effective. If you’re camping or in remote areas, definitely pack purification tablets as backup.

Most importantly, always use clean containers for your drinking water. If you boil or filter water and then pour it into a dirty jerrycan, it can get re-contaminated. Keep water bottles, jugs, and storage tanks sanitized periodically (a weak bleach solution can be used to rinse them out). By applying these purification methods, you can greatly mitigate risks and ensure the water quality in Ghana that you consume is safe.

Practical Tips: What to Drink, What to Avoid, and What to Pack

Finally, based on local experience and expert advice, here are some real-world recommendations for expats and long-term visitors regarding water in Ghana:

• Drink safely: Rely on bottled or sachet water for drinking, especially when you first arrive. These are the easiest ways to ensure you’re consuming safe water in Ghana. Many expats even use bottled or sachet water for brushing teeth, at least initially, since ingesting tap water while brushing can expose you to microbes. If you make ice, do so with purified or bottled water (or buy ice made from treated water). Remember that in restaurants and hotels, unless you specify, a glass of “water” may be poured from the tap. As the U.S. travel advisory warns, ask for bottled water at dining establishments and be cautious with ice.
• Be cautious with tap water: It bears repeating, avoid drinking straight from the tap in Ghana, even in high-end areas, unless you boil or filter it. This includes places like Accra where officials claim the water is treated. Locals themselves often avoid the tap for drinking, calling it “pipe water” that’s only good for cooking or washing. Follow the local practice: use tap water for boiling food or making tea/coffee (since that boils it), but not for cold drinks. Also, do not assume boiling is a one-time fix, if boiled water sits around uncovered for a day or two, it could get contaminated again. Boil only what you’ll use relatively soon.
• What to avoid: Obviously, never drink from streams, rivers, or unknown open wells. Even if the water looks clear, it can contain invisible bacteria or parasites. If visiting remote villages, graciously avoid drinking untreated water offered to you – you can explain that you have a sensitive stomach, and stick to your bottled water. Also be mindful of beverages that might contain water: local “sobolo” juice or fruit smoothies from street vendors might have added tap water or ice. When in doubt, skip drinks that aren’t from sealed containers or that you didn’t see boiled. Peel fruits or wash them with safe water. By being a little picky, you’ll save yourself from diarrhea or worse (water-borne illnesses like cholera and typhoid do occur in Ghana). The CDC recommends vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid precisely because of these risks from food and water.
• Useful items to pack: If you’re relocating to Ghana or even coming for a few weeks off the beaten path, pack some water safety gear. A good water filter or purifier bottle can be a lifesaver (literally) if you find yourself with only questionable water available. Also bring a supply of water purification tablets – they are lightweight and handy for emergencies or travel upcountry. Consider a stainless steel boiling kettle or an immersion heater coil if your housing doesn’t have one, so you can easily boil water. Reusable water bottles (with a built-in filter, if possible) are great for day-to-day use; you can fill them with filtered or sachet water and reduce plastic waste. If staying long-term, you might install a home filtration system or subscribe to a water delivery service for those big 19-liter dispenser bottles (common in many Accra households). And don’t forget to carry hand sanitizer and oral rehydration salts, if you do get a bout of traveler’s diarrhea, staying hydrated with clean water and electrolytes is essential.
• Learn from locals and other expats: Ask colleagues or neighbors about the water situation in your specific area. In some neighborhoods, the tap water might actually be decent if consistently chlorinated, or they might tell you “the water here is brackish, we all use sachets.” Each area can differ. Other expats can also recommend trusted brands of sachet or bottled water. Ghana has an association of water producers; brands with the Ghana Standards Authority or FDA marks are preferable. By observing local habits (for example, many Ghanaians keep a bucket of boiled water in the kitchen for drinking), you’ll gain practical tips. Ghanaians are very aware of water issues and usually happy to advise on what’s safe or not.

In summary, treat water safety as a priority from day one in Ghana. The country has made progress expanding access to improved water, but gaps in water quality remain. With the right precautions, you can stay healthy. Drink smart, stick to purified sources, and enjoy your time in Ghana without worry about what’s in your glass. Safe water means one less thing to stress about as you embrace your new adventure!

Sources

• UNICEF Ghana – Water program page (2023)
• The Ghana Report – FDA shuts down 9 sachet water producers over expired licences (Oct 2025)
• U.S. Department of State – Ghana International Travel Information (2025)
• U.S. CDC – Ghana Healthy Travel Packing List (2025)
• Ahiabor et al. – Microbial Safety of Sachet Water in Ghana: A Systematic Review (2025)