In the last decades, the levels of coverage of improved drinking water and sanitation services in the country have increased significantly but suffer from serious deficiencies in the quality and continuity of services. A high %age of the population does not receive the supply service of drinking water continuously.

While the Dominican Republic has water infrastructure, tap water is not safe to drink for locals or tourists in 2026. Consuming it can lead to parasitic infections or bacterial illnesses like traveler's diarrhea. Residents and visitors alike rely on bottled or purified water for drinking, brushing teeth, and even washing produce. In major resorts and hotels, large blue jugs of purified water (botellones) are standard, and most luxury properties use internal filtration systems for ice; however, it is still recommended to ask for "no ice" in drinks unless you are certain of its source. Even when showering, it is wise to keep your mouth closed to avoid accidental ingestion. Bottled water is widely available and very affordable at local colmados (small grocery stores) and supermarkets. For eco-conscious travelers, bringing a high-quality reusable water bottle with a built-in UV or hollow-fiber filter is a smart alternative to purchasing plastic bottles.