The issue of drinking water has always been prevalent in India. Foreign tourists get a queasy stomach simply by thinking about the drinking water in India, but we are here to help you navigate. “Drinking water safety in India for Foreigners” talks about tap water, how to drink water safely, and alternatives to water. Read on to find out more.
Stay hydrated
It is very important to stay hydrated in India. The country has a hot and humid climate in most regions, very different from what a lot of tourists are used to. The intense heat and constant sweating can make you feel dehydrated and fatigued. So ensure that you carry a water bottle with you everywhere and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Is it safe to drink tap water in India?
No. While foreign tourists are strongly advised not to drink tap water, even the locals in India do not drink it directly. Tap water in India is quite polluted and contains many bacteria and contaminants that can cause health issues for foreigners as well locals, such as diarrhea, vomiting, cholera, or typhoid.
While a small percentage of the population has access to treated piped water, there is no guarantee of the quality. Most of the rural population in India relies on wells, borewells, tubewells, and hand pumps for drinking water, and that is also not very safe.
Even groundwater, once considered safe, is now extremely polluted due to harmful pesticides and the presence of arsenic, nitrates, iron, and other metals leeching into it.
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in India?
While most locals do brush their teeth with tap water in India, it is not really recommended for foreign tourists. Even while brushing your teeth, there is a chance of accidentally ingesting contaminants. To be safe, use bottled, purified, or boiled water while brushing your teeth in India.
Can you shower or wash your face with tap water in India?
Yes, showering or washing your face with tap water is usually safe in India. However, avoid swallowing the water while bathing or washing your face.
Which water should you drink in India?
Packaged drinking water
Packaged drinking water is your best bet in India, but sometimes you might also find knock-offs of popular packaged water brands. Some of the popular brands are Bisleri, Aquafina, Himalayan, and Kinley. Before buying, check if the seal of the bottle is intact.
Most restaurants in India keep bottled mineral water, so insist on bottled water wherever you go to eat.
Filtered water
RO-filtered or UV-purified water is used in most homes and many local restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses. It is safe to drink. There are other ways to filter water yourself, such as purification bottles, tablets, and UV pens. You get purification bottles and portable water filters that remove bacteria and viruses from your water. Some models remove heavier chemicals as well.
You also get purification tablets in local pharmacies that are great if you are traveling to remote areas where bottled water is not readily available. You can pop one tablet into your water and the water gets purified and safe to drink in a few minutes.
Boiled water
If you have no access to bottled water or filtered water, the best way to drink clean water is to boil it. Water that is boiled for a long period of time and then strained properly is good enough to drink, as the boiling process purifies the water to a great extent.
Beverages safe for drinking
Tender coconut water: Tender coconut water is a great option for water in India. You will easily get tender coconut along the coastal regions of India. It is nature’s packaged water and very safe to drink.
Milk: Pasteurized milk that is available in stores in sealed bottles is usually treated and thus safe to drink. However, do not drink milk stored out in the open.
Hot drinks: Hot tea, coffee, or chocolate are safe to drink if they are served hot. Tea at local stalls is usually boiled for a long time before serving, so it is completely safe. Do not drink coffee or tea if it is lukewarm or at room temperature.
Canned beverages: Canned or packaged, sealed drinks are safe to drink. Carbonated drinks are perfectly okay, since you can see the bubbles as you open them, a sign that they had been sealed shut.
Liquor: Most liquors have an alcohol content that is enough to kill any germs that may have been present in it. So liquor is safe to drink.
What to avoid
Ice: Ice is mostly made from tap water, so it is best to avoid it here, even in good restaurants and hotels. Ask for drinks without ice.
Cut fruits or raw salads: Pre-cut fruits sold by street vendors or raw salads may be washed with tap water and could be unsafe for consumption. It is best to take whole fruits and peel them yourself and stick to cooked food.
Read more: Is street food in India safe to eat for foreigners?
What to do if you consume tap water?
If you consume a very small amount of tap water, it is probably nothing to be worried about. However, if you see any mild symptoms such as an upset stomach or uneasiness, take ORS, drink packaged mineral water, and avoid any heavy meals, dairy, or raw food. Eat something light like toasted bread or khichdi, and take plenty of rest.
If your symptoms are severe, such as a fever or diarrhoea lasting for more than a day or two, visit a doctor.
Some things to keep in mind
- If you visit any Indian home, it is a cultural norm to offer water to guests. Ask politely whether it is filtered. Most Indian homes will have filtered or boiled drinking water.
- At temples, you may be offered some holy water as prasad. You can respectfully decline if you don’t want to risk any health issues.
- Pack some essentials such as electrolyte sachets, anti-diarrhea medicines, ORS, or water purification tablets, even though you will easily get these at any local pharmacy in India.
- Some foreigners get Delhi Belly in India, but most do not get sick here, except for a stomach upset that can last a day or two.
- Trust your own senses. Even if you get filtered water but it doesn’t look or taste good, don’t drink it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, tourists are advised not to drink tap water in India. The tap water in the country is unsafe to drink since it is extremely polluted and contains bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
Yes, bottled water is safe to drink in India, but make sure you are buying it from a good brand, such as Bisleri, Kinley, or Aquafina. You may find knock-offs of these brands, so check the bottle and seal properly before buying.
RO water is considered better than boiled water. RO water removes impurities like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. On the other hand, boiled water will kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it does not get rid of the other impurities in the water.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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