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Probably different people have different levels of sensitivity and susceptiility to foreign microbes, so no one can guarantee you won't get sick in marrakesh;  but personally I haven't seen this to be a big problem here.  You can lessen your risk of gastrointestinal upsets by acclimating gradually to tap water (start with bottled, ease in to tap water over the space of a week); sticking to lighter, easy to digest foods;  eating the Moroccan yogurts if you do get sick, and bringing some immodium tablets in case you need them.  I think that brushing your teeth with bottled water would be way too overzealous!  People here aren't as germ-phobic as in the states, and sometimes the casualness about touching shared food can be startling if you aren't used to it, but generally things are pretty clean here--it's just a matter of letting your body adjust slowly.

Hi Jen...thanks for the reply. Yep, we're definitely not one of those over-protective parents, and do believe in letting the body "learn" on its own and build up its resistance to germs. We have quite a bit of experience living and traveling to "third-world" countries - but this would be a first for us with young kids.

I too didn't think hygiene would be an issue for us in Marrakech, but it's been very confusing hearing conflicting advice from people. I guess this is a subjective topic...and we'll have to find out for ourselves...

Hi lemaroc,

It is very safe to drink tap water and eat fruits and salads especially in Marrakesh. I'm moroccan, and i have traveled to many palces around the world where I too had to brush my teeth using bottled water, but i can assure you we don't have that problem here in Morocco, especially in big and touristy cities like Marrakesh.
About street food, I wouldn't recommand that in other cities, but I heard from many friends that it's a bit different in Marrakesh, since the city does more inspections to avoid any troubles for tourists.
Anyway, just be carefull where you go, it's usually not very deceiving in Marrakesh, if the place looks pretty clean it's probably safe.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

The tap water won't kill you but it tastes of bleach and there is a risk it will upset you. Bottled water is very cheap and widely available so there's no need to drink tap water. Unless you are incredibly sensitive, washing your teeth in tap water is fine.

Salads depend on where they are grown. Avoid water melons, strawberries and salad leaves that are difficult to dry after being washed.

Street food cooked in front of you, early in the evening, in a place with a high turnover, will probably be great. A quiet stall on a back street selling stuff that's been left in the sun all day won't be. Stick to Jma el Fna or Beij Garni, and avoid eating late (as the plates may only get a cold water rinse).

Eat (and enjoy) fruits you can peel. Oranges may just be the best in the world and I adore the tiny, sweet local bananas.

Food poisoning isn't fun, but there's little here that's really dangerous. Do be careful of feral cats and dogs; rabies exists.

Hi yah!
In honesty Ive drank Marrakech tap water since day 1 before I became a regular visitor and Ive never become sick... In fact its made me constipated! Its much nicer and fresher than London water!
Ive never eaten from a street vendor thats one thing my moroccan partner advises against because he got sick from it.
Always have bottled water in the house though for the kids to be safe Sidi Ali is child friendly and the countries best brand.
Hope this is helpful. If constipated I always have Raib its around £2 for a huge tub its sweetened natural yoghurt always helps.

I have never had a problem drinking the water in Marrakech.In fact I think it is part of the reason why my health has improved since I have moved here 3 years ago.

For the most part the Food is great....even street side vendors....although I do tend to avoid the men selling BBQ off a donkey cart near the bus station, but the little snack shops in the neighborhoods are usually really good food and frequented by locals. Honestly that is the best way to judge if the food is good. Just look at the people buying it. If it is a bunch of junkies or drunk men who don't care enough to look at it...go someplace else. But if there is a younger Moroccan couple on a date or even better and old woman getting something for her kids. Then you know it is good food. Moroccans won't eat suspect food by choice and the certainly won't let anyone they love eat it either. They really can't afford to get sick here.

Interesting update to my earlier post; a concerned grandmother took a water sample from her granddaughters' Marrakech school back to London for testing - and the lab technician said it was 'the most disgusting' water he'd ever tested.

i really understand your doubts, but you have to keep in mind that most of the vegetables and fruits in europe come from Morocco!!!

I still stand by its ok my British stomach can handle it!! I think it depends on the person

markwillenbrock,

If you are really that concerned, then I suggest you don't eat or drink anything while you are here.

Of course there are issues every where. I am not aware why the water may have been bad at this woman's granddaughter's school, but I have notice that when there is allot of new construction in an area that the water quality can be come contaminated with dirt as they dig up the pipes to connect these new buildings into the system. The dirt here is truly dirty. Also it may depend on how the sample was collected. maybe the container was dirty or she used the wrong water tap. Some water taps are from shallow wells and are not ever intended for drinking or preparing food, but are safe for cleaning floors and toileting. Perhaps one of these reasons may have something to do with why the sample was so bad.

But like I said if you are worried, don't eat or drink anything. Buy prepackaged food and bottled water.

I drink the water and eat the food every day, but then again I am American and did marry a Moroccan too. So for me it is all about fitting in with the family.