What You Need to Know About the Drinking Water in Different Countries

November 6, 2023

Access to potable water is fundamental to any travel experience. However, not all tap water across the globe is equally safe to drink. While one country might offer pristine, drinkable water right from the faucet, another might necessitate extra precautions. Knowing the lay of the land—or rather, the quality of the water—is pivotal to ensuring a smooth, illness-free trip. Here's what every world traveler should be aware of:

Countries and Regions with Generally Safe Drinking Water

• North America: USA, Canada
• Europe: Western and Central Europe (Eastern Europe varies on a country-to-country basis)
• East Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore
• Middle East: Israel (the Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf countries vary on a country-to-country basis)
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand Remember, even within countries with safe drinking water, certain remote or impoverished areas may not have the same standard of water quality as most regions.

When Water Isn't Trustworthy

If you're venturing into an area where the credibility of the local tap water is in question, here are several possible solutions:

• Bottled water: The safest bet in most places. However, always ensure the bottle seal is unbroken when purchasing it.
• Boiling: A tried and tested method. Boiling water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) can kill most pathogens.
• Water purification tablets: Available at most travel or outdoor stores, these tablets can disinfect water, making it safe for drinking. However, be ready for a slight taste of chlorine.
• Filtration straws: Handy devices that allow you to drink directly from a water source, filtering out the majority of contaminants.
• UV light devices: These gadgets can purify water by exposing it to UV light, which kills bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

Hidden Culprits to Watch Out For

It's not just the drinking water that can be problematic. One other potential threat is ice in drinks. Often overlooked, ice can be made from untreated tap water. Always ensure that it is from a reliable source, or simply ask for a drink without ice. Additionally, salads, fruits, and vegetables can be washed in local water, and they can be a source of unwanted bacteria. Peeling fruits and avoiding uncooked vegetables can be a safer bet.

When brushing your teeth, it is advisable to use bottled or purified water to avoid inadvertently swallowing local tap water. When it comes to showering and bathing, while you don't need to be paranoid, it's essential to be cautious. Avoid swallowing water while showering, and be particularly wary if you have any cuts or wounds. If the water is suspected to be heavily contaminated, avoid getting it in your eyes or nose.

From the bustling streets of Paris to the remote corners of the Amazon, water quality varies dramatically. Being informed, staying prepared, and exercising caution can ensure that your travel memories are only of adventures, not ailments.

CAP Tripside Assistance Offerings

Safe drinking water is just one aspect of travel wellness. For those inevitable uncertainties that arise during your journey, CAP Tripside Assistance is there to help you. Not only does this comprehensive travel assistance service alert travelers to potential health hazards like water contamination, but it also can come to your aid during various unforeseen challenges, such as natural calamities, political disruptions, or health emergencies. With CAP, rest assured that no matter where you are, expert guidance and support are just a call away. You can soak in every moment of your trip with confidence, staying both safe and hydrated!