I've gotten conflicting answers to this question and didn't see anything recent in the Fodor's archives. I'll be in Panama City and the Canal Zone (mostly on land in CZ) for an upcoming professional trip. Although I don't plan on drinking from any water fountains, is the water in Panama City and CZ (Miraflores locks, Gamboa rainforest, Panama Canal expansion project) safe?
The Fodor's 2nd edition (2010) tourbook for Panama says that the tap water, at least in Panama City and CZ, is safe to drink, use for ice, and for brushing teeth. However, the FAQ sheet that I've received for the trip says not do do any of those. That's the same thing I heard from the travel-medicine doctor.
The Fodor's tourbook seems to have missed the boat on what vaccines are necessary -- it says maybe malaria and maybe yellow fever, while the CDC, FAQ sheet, and travel doctor all strongly recommend those two plus Hepatitis A, Hep B, and typhoid. The fact that the tourbook missed the boat -- a lot -- on vaccines makes me question their advice on the water. While I think avoiding the water is a good recommendation, is it unnecessarily restrictive?
Conflicting answers about the water being safe
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Well, a lot of vaccine advice always errs on the side of caution. All those vaccines are rec'd for Costa Rica as well, but do you really really need them? No, unless you are going to certain areas or spending much time outside the tourist areas.
mdtravelhealth.com Panama best health info.
There is no malaria vaccine oral preventives for deep jungle only. YF needed for deep jungle only. Hepatitis if eating a lot of street food. #1 risk of getting sick food water borne illness bottled water only for me there except in PC great hotels like the Radisson Decapolis where I usually stay. A good medical kit with some Cipro and immodium has saved me before. Buffets are the worst perfect culture media for bacteria.Chicken soups put the feet in what made me sick last.
Good luck!