Tap water is cheap, environmentally friendly, practical and of the best quality in most regions of Germany. Tap water is one of the best controlled foods in Germany. However, comprehensive controls and the quality of drinking water cannot be taken for granted in most countries around the world. On vacation trips, reaching for a bottle of mineral water is often the only sensible solution to avoid health complications.
80% of diseases in developing countries caused by water contamination
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 3 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water. In Germany, clean water is a matter of course. In developing countries, water pollution leads to numerous illnesses and even deaths. Anyone traveling here as a holidaymaker is exposed to a massive risk from tap water. According to WHO estimates, around 80 percent of all illnesses suffered by tourists in these countries can be attributed to unclean water. During the trip, water should only be taken from industrially bottled mineral water bottles. The bottles should always be checked when opening to ensure that they are originally sealed. International manufacturers guarantee greater safety in bottling.
The danger from the tap
In most countries, tap water is not treated at all or only to a limited extent. Water sources, water fountains and water containers are often contaminated with germs. Dilapidated water pipes are not uncommon. In addition to this pollution, there are also pesticides from agriculture and numerous pollutants from industry. Discoloration or the smell of the water often indicate its quality. But even clear water can be contaminated with bacteria and pollutants. Food preparation with contaminated water is often underestimated. In local restaurants, washed salad, raw fruit and vegetables that have been cleaned with tap water or ice cubes in cold drinks and cocktails can quickly become a source of germs. If you have the opportunity, always boil water from the tap to kill germs. When hiking and mountaineering at high altitudes, it takes longer to boil water. Due to the lower air pressure, the boiling point of the water is lower there.
Drinking water on the cruise ship
Cruises are becoming increasingly popular across all age groups. Water gushes out of the cabin tap here too. Several million liters of tap water are needed for a cruise. An average consumption of around 500 liters of water per person per day is planned. Vacationers want to wash, shower and need the toilet. A lot of water is also used for cooking, cleaning and washing clothes. The cooling systems and the ship’s propulsion system also require water. The cruise ships’ water tanks are regularly tested by independent laboratories for possible microbiological contamination. As the water stands in the tank, it can be more susceptible to germs. This is why tap water is often treated with chlorine. Many shipping companies recommend that you do not drink the water from the tap on board. With all-inclusive offers, vacationers are provided with mineral water anyway. If drinks are charged per bottle, this can be expensive.
Find out about the water quality before your trip
If you travel to Bangladesh, you usually check the hygiene conditions beforehand. However, very few tourists will think of extremely high arsenic levels in tap water. In the Caribbean, vacationers dream of untouched nature. However, the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique have high levels of pesticide contamination in their drinking water. It is advisable to find out about the drinking water conditions in the respective region before traveling. Travel agencies, the Federal Foreign Office or institutes such as the Travel Medicine Center at the Bernhard Nocht Institute (BNITM) in Hamburg can provide important information on travel health and water quality in advance.
Tip on oral hygiene when traveling abroad: Brushing your teeth with contaminated water can also pose a high risk. If you have the option, boil the tap water beforehand or preferably use bottled non-carbonated mineral water.
