How to Get Clean Water When You're Traveling

Mar 3
09:02

2009

 michael

michael

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It is important to understand the water. Water in other countries, as well as places inside the United States, can be questionable. Drinking water can be unhealthy in certain locations, so it is best to plan ahead, invest in a mobile water bottle, and use safe steps to ensure that the water you use is clean and potable.

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For aspirant global travelers,How to Get Clean Water When You're Traveling Articles understanding your destination is as important as getting there. Fortunately, information abounds. You can research any city, any town or village and be sure to find helpful tips about the geography, culture and climate. Of course it is still a challenge to travel on a limited budget, but with the current crop of information on the Web, it is easier than ever to approach your trip with the appropriate information. This gives you more time to focus on finding affordable accommodations and practical methods of travel.

It is also important to understand the water. Water in other countries, as well as places inside the United States, can be questionable. Drinking water can be unhealthy in certain locations, so it is best to plan ahead, invest in a mobile water bottle, and use safe steps to ensure that the water you use is clean and refreshing.

Filter tap water. If tap water is safe to drink, drink it; but filter it when you can. In the U.S., tap water is better regulated than bottled water so its a safer bet. And carbon filters (like Brita) and reverse osmosis (R.O.) systems remove most of the not-so-pleasant things that find their way into our water.

Avoid the disposable water bottles. Cheap plastic bottles are hard on the environment and they can leach chemicals that are bad for your health. Skip them when you can.

Boil your water. If you know tap water isnt safe to drink, boil it to kill bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should boil water vigorously for 1 minute and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Buy big jugs when you need to drink bottled. Sometimes bottled water is the safest and most convenient option. When you have to buy bottled, get big jugs. They create less waste so theyre better for the environment.

Invest in a stainless steal or other reusable water bottle. A personal favorite is Klean Kanteen because unlike polycarbonate plastic bottles, theyre free of bisphenol A. And theyre pretty lightweight. If youre in a city where you have to drink bottled water, pour some of the water from your jug into your Klean Kanteen before heading out for the day.

On drinking tap water in developing (and some developed) countries. Just in case I didnt make this totally clear, please dont go an en environmental crusade when traveling and decide to universally ditch bottled water in favor of tap water. In some places there are bacteria in water that could make you sick or kill you.

This information will help you identify potential problems with drinking water. The most effective way to keep your water clean and accessible is to invest in a mobile water bottle, and use these steps to ensure that the water you drink is clean.