If your travel plans include a destination where water is not chlorinated or sanitation is not the greatest, you have several alternative methods for making sure your drinking water is safe. Travelers’ diarrhea, the most common traveler’s illness, is often contracted after drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and/or parasites.
- Drink bottled water, bottled juices, and bottled sodas. Make sure the caps are sealed — if the seal has been broken, the bottle may have been refilled with unsafe water.
- Boil your water before drinking. Boiling kills most of the water-born causes of travelers’ diarrhea. Make sure the water boils for at least one full minute (three minutes for higher altitudes). Cool to room temperature before drinking. Do not add ice, as the ice may have been made from unsafe water. Adding a pinch of salt to the water as you boil it can help improve the taste.
- Chemical disinfection with iodine is an alternative to boiling. Pharmacies and sporting goods stores should carry some sort of iodine disinfection tablets. Follow the directions on the packaging and make sure to use the proper amount of disinfectant for the amount of water you have. Iodine disinfectants are not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers, the very young, and the very old.
- Portable water filters can help remove some infectious agents from drinking water. However, a water filter does not remove as many infectious agents as boiling does.
Keep in mind these other drinking water safety tips:
- Don’t use unsafe tap water to make juice, iced tea, or any powdered drinks.
- Don’t rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in unsafe tap water. Peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Avoid ice made from unsafe tap water.
- Don’t swallow water when you are in the shower or washing your face at the sink.
- Don’t swallow water when you are swimming in the pool or ocean.