water concern

[becky19]

does anyone have any tips or suggestions on what i should do about drinking the water in foreign countries?? i’m heading to greece for a few weeks and am concerned about getting sick from the water. i heard that the water is not that great and can make you sick. i dont want to get sick on my trip and ruin the fun times to be had. any info would be MUCH appreciated......

[me]

if that worries you, just drink bottled water. i'd hope bottled water would be safe. [but, i've never been to Greece]

- d

[LHR02]

I agree....if you've a 'sensitive' stomach or are concerned just stick to bottled water. It's totally available anywhere. That said, I have drunk nothing but tap or fountain water in just about every country in Europe, including eastern Europe with nary a complication. I have gotten rather quesy 3 times in Mexico and the Carribean, but never Europe. I'm not certain where the worries of the water there keep coming from. It is fine. They are not third world countries after all.

[Eagle]

becky19, it's probably a good idea to be somewhat cautious about the water, but don't worry about this too much. IMO the tap water is probably a bit safer in the "northern" areas and more of a concern in the "southern" areas, but there's no "general" rule for this. In Greece it's probably a good idea to consider bottled water as David said, but if you're in a larger Hotel or whatever the water should be OK.

I once asked my Italian Instructor about drinking the tap water in Italy, and she had a horrified look on her face and said "do you want to die!". On the other hand, Rick Steves says that it's reasonably safe in many areas, so I don't know what to think?

Good luck and happy travels!!!

[Dominique]

We had a discussion about this in my microbiology class last semester. Regardless of where you are from and where you're going, tap water could potentially cause certain gastro-intestinal problems. All tap water anywhere in the world has different levels and kinds of bacteria and chemicals. If you drink tap water at home and have done so for a while, chances are you are immune to whatever is in it and therefore, you never get sick from drinking it. Say someone from out of town drinks that same tap water, there is a higher chance that they might feel a little sick, even though technically, the water is safe. Bottom line, if you aren't used to the tap water in a city that you're visiting, grab some bottled water. Especially if you plan on drinking large quantities of it. Because even though the tap water may be deemed safe to drink, and all the locals are drinking it, your body isn't used to it, so don't risk having to run to the bathroom every ten minutes during your trip.

[me]

devil's advocate here:

how does one know that the bottled water is safer than tap? unless it's distilled, or something.

- d

[MuvverRussia]

That's true. Generally I stick to bottled water when in Eastern and Southern Europe (Greece especially, as I don't trust their plumbing system). That said, I drink bottled water when in the US as well, purely for taste reasons.

Whilst Dominique's post is valid, it's slightly paranoid. I doubt you'd get any problems drinking tap water in Western Europe. It's actually of a higher standard than bottled water, with more stringent checks etc. In other parts of Europe it starts to become more of a concern - I for one wouldn't drink the water in South West Poland for example (there is a lot of ground water contamination there after years of heavy industry).

[jennifer]

Well, personally, I didn't even double think it in Western Europe!

I think if you go to other parts of the world, it's known to maybe cause a problem, so why take the chance for dangerous bacteria or simply for the flu that will keep you from exploring the globe for a day or two.

For Europe, I wouldn't worry!

[ccsloan]

Hi, Just got back from a month long trip of eastern and western europe and loved every minute, wish I was back. But, check this out. I have a very sensitive stomach and tend to get sick a lot , so before leaving, my uncle (who’s an avid camper/hiker) suggested I take his Steripen - a small, battery-operated gadget that sterilizes water. It is small and didn’t take up any space in my backpack. Hope you have a great trip!

[Jules]

Try getting a jar of iodine if you are really worried as it is easy to use; it comes in a very small light jar and works better than chlorine. It takes about an half an hour to purify the water if you have the solution prepared but after there will be no microrganisms alive in it. I use it for backcountry camping so it should purify tap water. Here is some more info on the stuff i use there are also tinctures of iodine and iodine tablets just google it for more information.

Iodine Treatment
Iodine is light sensitive and must always be stored in a dark bottle. It works best if the water is over 68° F (21° C). Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification. Persons with thyroid problems or on lithum, women over fifty, and pregnant women should consult their physician prior to using iodine for purification. Also, some people who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to iodine. If someone cannot use iodine, use either a chlorine-based product or a non-iodine-based filter, such as the PUR Hiker Microfilter, MSR WaterWorks, or the Katadyn Water Filter.

Polar Pure Iodine Crystals Fill the Polar Pure bottle with water and shake. The solution will be ready for use in one hour. Add the number of capfuls (per quart of water treated) listed on the bottle, based on the temperature of the iodine solution. The particle trap prevents crystals from getting into the water being treated. It is important to note that you are using the iodine solution to treat the water, not the iodine crystals. The concentration of iodine in a crystal is poisonous and can burn tissue or eyes. Let the treated water stand for 30 minutes before drinking. In order to destroy Giardia cysts, the drinking water must be at least 68° F (20° C). The water can be warmed in the sun before treating or hot water can be added. Refill the treatment bottle after use so that the solution will be ready one hour later. Crystals in the bottle make enough solution to treat about 2,000 quarts. Discard the bottle when empty.

[MuvverRussia]

It's illegal to take Iodine, chlorine (including Bleach) etc on an aircraft though, so you'll have to buy it over here. Not sure as to its general availability either.

99% of the time it'll be the mineral content that causes problems with tap water, rather than any bacteria, so chemical treatments are quite ineffective.

[rchua]

if you're worried about the water over there why not bring a small water purifier. you can purchase one at a local outdoor store. they could advice you a cheap efficient device. my friend works at one. i get some of my traveling gears through him.

[kena]

I drank tap water in France, Italy and Great Britain without any problems, but I suppose your mileage may vary. In Latin America, I stick to bottled, and avoid ice in drinks unless I specifically know that they use filtered water for that. That being said, I tend to think that junk food, too much alcohol and weird eating patterns cause more digestive problems than tap water does.

As for streams, I wouldn't not drink from rivers and springs anywhere at home without a filter, as guardia parasites are endemic in all of North America (and it's not just a mild case of upset stomach... you're totally debilitated for several days when you do catch it) I don't know specifically about Europe, but I would bring my filter if I was to do extensive hiking.

[bruney4]

ahh dont worry about the water lad. just drink mineral watter or pop to be safe

[commie]

i guess the greece word for water is "ouzo", right?