The Danger of Water When Traveling and How To Drink and Consume It Safely

When traveling, eating is usually one of the most exciting parts of a trip, trying new foods, or trying foods you love in the place where they were invented. But this also comes with the risk of illness, especially in places that don't have the same strict food and cleanliness requirements we are used to in the U.S., as water quality may be significantly lower than it is at home.

In many places, the water can be a safety hazard, with the possibility of contamination by bacteria, parasites or viruses. Many people bring antibiotics as a contingency plan when visiting developing countries, though it can happen almost anywhere.

Here is a list of tips to help avoid illness when traveling, and leave you to relax and enjoy the delicious food and drink that traveling has to offer without worrying about getting ill.

Water Contamination

Contaminated water is a leading cause of illness in the world. Pathogens in water can cause travelers' diarrhea (TD), rotavirus, cholera, and many other unpleasant illnesses that travel in water and that you really want to avoid. In some places, water can even be contaminated with feces, something more common in areas that don't have proper sanitation infrastructure.

As a result, locals may have immunity to things in their water that you, as a foreign visitor, do not.

Research your destination in advance to find out if water safety is a concern. If you have doubts about water safety, drink only bottled water that is sealed, or other bottled beverages, such as juice, soda, beer, wine, or tea and coffee that are made from boiling water and served steaming hot. Additionally, don't brush your teeth with tap water, something that might not occur to a first time traveler, but is another way to ingest contaminated water while also leaving your toothbrush contaminated. Instead, use bottled water, even if it seems wasteful, because it is better than getting sick.

Avoid ice as well, because it is usually made from tap water. Freezing water does not kill the dangerous pathogens, so ice is as risky as still water. Ice can be consumed if it is made from bottled, boiled or treated water only. This is unlikely in many places, so as a rule of thumb, it is best to just avoid ice. Remember ice blended cocktails will also contain ice made from untreated water.