Why is the water brown?! - Puerto Vallarta Forum (2024)

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flip_wilson

Appleton, Wisconsin

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Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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Here now at the Marriott by the Marina and literally watched what looked like a mat of seaweed, only to realize it was murky water. It rained 2 days ago so I assume it’s runoff. It was crazy to watch it literally consume the bay!

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K C

Tucson, Arizona

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1.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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Yep, it is runoff from the rivers. Sometimes it hasn't even rained in PV proper, but up in the mountains

Edited: 4 years ago

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777Deana777

Portland, Oregon

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2.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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We see it here in old town as well. It will go away. For our 2 week vacation we’ve had one day of stormy weather a week ago and one day of outright rain, thunder and lightening starting at noon “New Years day” which lasted throughout the night. Beach access was washed out in some areas especially with the overflowing water rushing down the streets. But they’ve built it back up now and we’re good to go.

It’s bright, warm, and sunny ☀️ right now. Yayyyyy.

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flip_wilson

Appleton, Wisconsin

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3.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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This isn’t an issue similar to Sayulita, is it? Is it safe to play in the water?

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Calmjohn

Leavenworth, Kansas

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4.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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The water is perfectly safe. Also, for visitors who have not been here before the water looks dark on a beautiful day. Comparing the water here to the East coast. The white sand there makes the water look clear and pristine. The dark sand and lava bottom makes the water look dark. Put a beaker of water from each side by side and you will be hard pressed to tell which is which.

That being said. When heavy rains occur close together the streams coming down to the bay flood and bring mostly dirt down from the mountains. Yes, there may be other debris as well. Use the pool at your hotel for a day or so and all should be safe.

Mother nature is hard to control.

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kevinkR7460ES

Puerto Vallarta...

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5.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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It's not the man made Sayulita problema. It's a natural occurence. I personally would not swim in it but the locals have no problem swimming.

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WWW8

Puerto Vallarta...

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6.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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It’s brown because it rained hard New Years Day, so there was river wash out. I swim in the bay all the time and have done so for 20 years. It’s perfectly safe.

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bezerk

San Antonio...

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7.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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Water is fine due to rains for a few days on New Years Eve and run off from moutains.

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1234wayne

Victoria, Canada

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8.Re: Why is the water brown?!

4 years ago

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River is clearing, the bay will follow. If it has not already.

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Why is the water brown?! - Puerto Vallarta Forum (46)

9.Re: Why is the water brown?!

3 years ago

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Why is the water brown?! - Puerto Vallarta Forum (2024)

FAQs

Why is Puerto Vallarta water brown? ›

The white sand there makes the water look clear and pristine. The dark sand and lava bottom makes the water look dark.

What color is the water in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Blue sea and beautiful beaches

Water-based activities are available in both areas including snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching, sailing, deep-sea fishing, surfing and much more. In Puerto Vallarta you'll find Los Arcos National Marine Park.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Puerto Vallarta's water system is one of the best in Mexico. The water treatment plant is considered state of the art and wins many awards. The tap water in Puerto Vallarta actually tastes good too. You can feel absolutely confident brushing your teeth and showering in Puerto Vallarta.

Is the water in Puerto Vallarta clear? ›

1. Banderas Bay is Deep and Beautiful. The crystal clear water of Puerto Vallarta's famous Banderas Bay is 3,000 feet deep and 26 miles across. One of the largest bays in Mexico.

Where is the clearest water in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Boca de Tomatlán Beach is known for its crystal clear waters, golden sand and stunning mountain views. The beach is located in a small fishing village. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and towering cliffs. The area is quiet and peaceful.

What causes brown water on beaches? ›

When the water looks murky or brown, it means there is a lot of mud, or sediment, in the water. Sediment particles can be so tiny that they take a long time to settle to the bottom, so they travel wherever the water goes. Rivers carry sediment into the bay, and waves and tides help keep the sediment suspended.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe to swim? ›

Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Is water in Puerto Vallarta safe to drink? ›

Puerto Vallarta Municipal Water

Not only has Puerto Vallarta's water been rated as perfectly safe for human consumption with a certificate of purity for 17 consecutive years, it is one of only two vacation destinations in the country to achieve this important distinction.

Does Puerto Vallarta have blue water? ›

Nestled along Mexico's picturesque Pacific Coast in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a premier beach and resort destination among travelers from across the world. It should come as no surprise. With its crystal blue waters and idyllic tropical climate, PV is a beach lover's paradise.

Is it safe to eat salad in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Generally speaking most restaurants will wash the salad vegetables in a microdyne solution which in theory should make it safe to consume. However since you indicated you have a (known) sensitive stomach, you might be better off just avoiding salads altogether until you return home.

What if I accidentally brushed my teeth with Mexican water? ›

What do I do? If you accidentally brushed your teeth with Mexican water, take precautions to minimize potential risks. Avoid ingesting more water, rinse your mouth thoroughly with bottled or purified water, and refrain from consuming tap water.

Can you eat the ice in Puerto Vallarta? ›

The water and ice in tourist resorts and hotels should be fine to drink (it's not in their best interest to have a bunch of sick tourists on their hands), and any ice that you see in the form of a cylinder with a hole in the center is purchased from a purified ice factory and is safe.

What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta? ›

December through April bring Puerto Vallarta's most ideal weather conditions, which is why these months are also the most popular among tourists. The average daily high temperature during this time ranges from around 80°F (27°C) to 85°F (29°C), with low humidity and very little rainfall.

Can you flush toilet paper in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Remember that unless otherwise indicated you should put your used toilet paper in the wastebasket next to the toilet; many plumbing systems in Mexico still can't handle toilet paper.

Is the water in Puerto Vallarta safe to swim in? ›

Puerto Vallarta is located on beautiful Banderas Bay where the waters are calmer than the Pacific Ocean. The bay and beaches are perfect for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

What causes dirty water in Mexico? ›

The quality of most urban and peri-urban rivers and water bodies in the metropolitan area is severely deteriorated by the discharge of sewage or poorly treated water and the disposal of solid waste.

Is the drinking water safe in Puerto Vallarta? ›

Puerto Vallarta Municipal Water

Not only has Puerto Vallarta's water been rated as perfectly safe for human consumption with a certificate of purity for 17 consecutive years, it is one of only two vacation destinations in the country to achieve this important distinction.

Why is the water red in Puerto Vallarta? ›

The harmful algal bloom known as red tide has afflicted Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay since the end of February, causing the death of fish and representing a risk to public health.

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