Drinking water in Egypt is a matter that requires close attention. Not only because the country’s high temperatures can cause dehydration, but also because it can be the cause of stomach problems. In these lines, we tell you everything you need to know about it and provide some recommendations you can follow.
Tap water is not always safe
The first thing you should know is that in all Egyptian cities, the water supply exceeds the standards set by local authorities… but that may not be enough for a foreign traveler. Not even in high-end hotels which, at the end of the day, are connected to said supply network, with the exception of cruises.
In Egypt, the vast majority of tap water comes from the River Nile, which is subsequently processed in water treatment plants. However, it could contain microorganisms that your digestive system is not used to, leading to negative effects: stomach ailments, diarrhea, nausea, etc. These microorganisms can resist the purification process (despite the fact that the water is, in fact, heavily chlorinated). Alternatively, it may become contaminated at some other point in the supply network: hotel or restaurant pipes, final taps, etc.
Tip 1: Always bottled water
The first tip is, therefore, to consume only bottled water. In fact, in restaurants and hotels, this type of water will always be offered. To be certain, you must check that the bottle is properly sealed or that the waiter opens it in front of you at that moment.
Tip 2: Always have water at hand
As mentioned, you will face high temperatures during days of sightseeing, which involves continuous walking. Therefore, you should always have water at hand… Bottled water, of course, so we recommend always having one or several small bottles in your backpack or bag, ready to use whenever you need them.
Tip 3: Purification tablets, your allies
Although it may be rare, you might find yourself without bottled water when thirst strikes (or even before, as it is advisable to stay well-hydrated at all times and drink before feeling thirsty). So, in the unlikely event that you have to drink tap water, carry purification tablets with you. When placed in a glass of water, they will provide safe water in several minutes (check the instructions). The taste might not be the most pleasant, but it will serve its purpose.
Tip 4: Vegetables are better cooked
It is true that water is present throughout the eating process, including washing dishes and cooking. Therefore, it is impossible to have total control over the water used. In any case, it is advisable to consume food that is well-cooked, as from a temperature of 65°C, most microorganisms die. Ideally, you should avoid (or at least not overindulge in) raw vegetables, in case they contain amounts of tap water that could upset your stomach.
Tip 5 (just in case)
In the unwanted event that the water you drink makes you feel unwell, we recommend two further things. Firstly, visit a local pharmacy to request anti-diarrheal medication (or something to resolve the issues that have arisen). Carrying medication in your first-aid kit is not a bad idea, but you should know that not all are effective, as their composition is designed for microorganisms present in your place of origin and they might be ineffective against those in Egypt. If your ailment is diarrhea, the next tip is to continue hydrating correctly to counteract the loss of water that occurs in that manner.
