Tap Water vs. Bottled Water Abroad: Where It's Safe to Skip the Plastic

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Let’s say you’re in a new country, thirsty, and faced with a common traveler’s dilemma: Do you buy a plastic bottle of water, which is ultimately destined for a local landfill, or do you risk drinking the tap water and getting an upset stomach?

The allure of a factory-sealed bottle feels like a simple, safe solution to a complex problem.

But with each purchase, you risk contributing to plastic pollution and blemishing the pristine natural landscapes likely you’re traveling to see.

To help you navigate your water worries when you travel, this guide will empower you with the knowledge to make smart and sustainable choices.

The Health Risks of Tap Water

When we’re talking about it being unsafe to drink tap water abroad, it’s not because the water is inherently “dirty.”

The issue is that the water in different regions of the world may contain very different microorganisms, and is often treated to different health standards.

Your body is accustomed to the water you drink at home, but it may not be equipped to handle these new bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Even water that looks and tastes clean can carry invisible pathogens that cause a range of health problems, from mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea to more serious illnesses like E. coli and Giardiasis.

Places Where You Can Confidently Drink Tap Water

The good news is that tap water is safe and held to incredibly high standards in many different parts of the world.

In these countries, you can (and should) skip the bottled water and refill your own bottle from home with confidence.

According to standards from the Centers for Disease Control, you can confidently drink the tap water in the following countries:

North America- Canada, United States
Europe- Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
Asia- Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea
Oceania- Australia, New Zealand

Regions Where You Should Avoid Tap Water

While an increasing number of countries provide visitors with safe drinking water, travelers should exercise caution in many parts of the world, where water treatment standards differ from those to which their bodies are accustomed.

In large parts of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking the tap water to prevent waterborne illnesses.

This is often due to aging infrastructure, less consistent treatment protocols, or potential contamination from agricultural runoff.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and conditions often vary within a given country from cities to rural areas. But as a general rule, you should plan on using a purification method or drinking factory-sealed bottled water in many destinations, including:

North America- Mexico
Africa- Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya
Asia- China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia
Central America- Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
South America- Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador

But remember, this caution should also extend beyond drinking water. Travelers should avoid ice in drinks (which is likely made from tap water). You may also want to refuse salads and uncooked vegetables that may have been washed in tap water and use bottled water to brush your teeth.

When in doubt, we always opt for a reliable purification method or a factory-sealed bottle of water!

How to Purify Water & Avoid Plastic Waste

You don’t have to purchase an endless supply of single-use plastic bottles when you’re traveling to a destination where the tap water is questionable. In fact, there are several ways to treat or purify contaminated water effectively while on the go!

Boiling

Boiling is the most effective method for killing all types of pathogens. Simply bring water to a rolling boil for one minute (or 3 minutes at altitudes above 6,500 feet). The main drawback is that it requires a heat source and time and won’t remove sediment.

Water Filter

A good portable water filter is an excellent tool for removing bacteria and parasites. Look for an “absolute” pore size of 5 microns or smaller. Filters are convenient and don’t change the taste of the water, but they may not remove viruses. Verify the strength of your filter against common contaminants in the area.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

UV purifiers are high-tech devices that use ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, rendering them harmless. They are incredibly quick, often treating a liter of water in 48 to 90 seconds, with no chemicals or change in taste. They are easy to use but require batteries and are only effective in clear water, as sediment can block UV rays.

Disinfection

Chemical disinfection, such as iodine or chlorine tablets, are an inexpensive and lightweight way to purify water. They are effective against most pathogens, but they can leave an unpleasant taste and may not kill all parasites.

The Environmental Case for Skipping Bottled Water

Purifying your own water has an impact that extends far beyond your own health. The massive environmental problem caused by single-use plastics is something everyone can work to reduce.

On average, only 9% of the world’s plastic waste is properly recycled, while 22% is improperly handled.

Given that the average U.S. citizen produces roughly 290 pounds of plastic waste each year, these staggering numbers represent an urgent need to do better by the planet.

Starting as fossil fuels and releasing carbon emissions for production, the plastic bottles you purchase end their short lives in landfills, where they can take centuries to decompose, or in our oceans, where they harm marine life.

When you use a reusable bottle and a purifier, you consciously reduce your carbon footprint.

Travel Healthy, Travel Sustainably

With a little preparation, you can protect your health without harming the planet.

By understanding the risks, knowing where the tap water is safe to drink, and equipping yourself with the right tools, you can travel with confidence.

Make a “water plan” part of your pre-trip checklist, right alongside booking flights and packing your bags.

Before your next trip, invest in a reusable water bottle and a purification method that suits your travel style. It’s a small step that can make a big difference for your health and the future of the planet! –by Alex S. Morrison