Drinking Water Safety for Travelers

Nothing ruins a good trip like getting sick. One of the primary causes of illness among travelers is contaminated water, which can lead to a range of health issues, from an upset stomach to severe bacterial infections.

The most common cause of waterborne illness is bacteria, such as E. coli, cholera, and salmonella. Sickness can also be caused by protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), viruses (like hepatitis A and rotavirus), and chemical pollutants.

In many cases, travelers become ill simply because the pathogens in the water are foreign to their immune systems, while locals have adapted to the water supply and can drink it without problems.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid tap water and exclusively drink bottled water. When that’s not available, boiling tap water generally kills most microorganisms. Alternatively, there are several good water filters and purification tablets that can be easily stowed in your carry-on.

Read on for tips on how to keep yourself safe in a destination where the drinking water may be contaminated.

What (Not) to Drink

Mexico is infamous for its unsafe drinking water, but travelers also face high risk in Central America, most of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Drinking water is generally safest in developed areas of the world like the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Northern and Western Europe, many parts of the Caribbean, and Japan.

Keep in mind that water quality can vary significantly depending on your location within a particular country. For example, in Costa Rica, you’ll probably find safe tap water at a large hotel in the city, but you may have to boil water before drinking it if you’re staying in a small rural area. If you’re not sure, consult the U.S. State Department’s Travel Country Information page for your destination, which lists whether the water is safe to drink or not.

Don’t Forget About Water When You’re Not Drinking It

You don’t need to drink a glass of contaminated water to be exposed—even something as simple as brushing your teeth with tap water could make you sick if the water is unsafe. Use bottled water to brush your teeth, and keep your mouth firmly closed while in the shower.

Avoid food that may have been washed in contaminated water, such as salad and fresh fruit. There is an easy saying to remember when it comes to fruits and vegetables abroad: “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” Fruits that can be peeled are safer to eat when first rinsed with bottled water and then peeled.

How to Purify Drinking Water

Boiling water is one of the most cost-effective and reliable methods for making it safe to drink. To ensure effectiveness, maintain a rolling boil for at least one minute—extend this time if you are at a higher altitude, where water boils at a lower temperature. After boiling, allow the water to cool naturally without adding ice. Let any sediments settle at the bottom, then carefully pour the clear water from the top into another clean container.

Another option is to use commercially available iodine tablets. These can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, but may not eliminate all protozoa, such as cryptosporidium. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct tablet-to-water ratio and required dissolution time, which may exceed 20 minutes in cold water. Please note that these tablets may alter the taste of the water.

UV water purifiers offer a fast, taste-neutral alternative. These devices can destroy 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in under a minute, making them an excellent portable solution.

Water filters, such as those made by [LifeStraw](), also provide a convenient and efficient way to purify water and filter out dirt and other contaminants, which is especially useful when hiking or camping in remote areas.

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What to Do if You Get Sick from Drinking Water

Symptoms of waterborne illness generally include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, aches, and/or chills. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days. If they worsen or become very severe, seek medical attention.

Otherwise, try to stay hydrated with sports drinks, boiled or bottled water, or other safe fluids (avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can exacerbate dehydration). Oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medications may also be helpful.

Upon returning home, it may be worthwhile to visit your doctor for additional tests to determine the cause of your illness and to assess whether it requires further treatment.

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