In general, yes the water is safe there.

BUT, is it safe in any particular establishment or area? Well, then it's a different story. I would ask at your hotel where you're staying.

No need for anti-malarials or other such precautions where you're going.

Our doctor recommend Hep shots as well, but no shots are required. We've been able to drink the water at most places we've gone too. If you can't, they'll let you know and provide filtered or bottled water. We've experienced that in more isolated areas like Tortuguero and the Osa. We've done several trips and have never gotten sick. Never done any anti-malarials. Dengue is more common, but you can't do anything to prevent it so we don't worry about it. We just wear repellent when needed.

I never drink tap water when I travel (doesn't matter the destination). It just seems such an easy precaution to take to stay healthy.

Just recently returned from Arenal and can tell you that although we chose to drink bottled water we did eat salads, fruits etc and did not have any problems. Also ended up taking vitamin B1 tablets ( 500 mg) 10 days prior to leaving ( a suggestion from a friend who is a nurse) to prevent mosquito bites. Not sure if it worked, however, we didn't get any bites!

good!

Thank you all! We have chosen not to fill the prescriptions for anti malaria!

You can drink the water, and eat all the food you want, unlike Mexico. I spent a month in Guanacaste and Tamarindo, and I drank the tap water and the food was amazing (casados). In fact, the food is better there than here in Cali, and I was told a lot of it is organic. I heard all of their beef is grassfeed as well.