Drinking Tap Water in India: What Travelers Should Know

When you're travelling to India, there’s so much to look forward to – from spicy street food to majestic temples. 

But one thing you need to be cautious about is the tap water. Unlike some places where the water is safe to drink straight from the tap, India poses a higher risk. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the water situation while you explore this incredible country.

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Why Tap Water in India Isn’t Safe

The tap water in India is often unsafe to drink due to several factors:

• Contamination: The water often contains bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals like arsenic and fluoride​.
• Poor Infrastructure: In many areas, ageing pipes and poor sewage treatment lead to contamination even when water is treated​.
• Groundwater Issues: India relies heavily on groundwater, but overuse and pollution have caused its quality to drop significantly​
• Even in big cities, tap water can pose health risks, so it’s better to stay cautious.

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What Are the Health Risks?

Drinking unsafe water can expose you to serious illnesses. Here’s what could happen:

• Waterborne diseases: Conditions like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis are common in India due to contaminated water​.
• Chemical contamination: Long-term exposure to chemicals like fluoride or arsenic can lead to health issues like dental problems, skeletal damage, and even cancer​.
• Bacterial infections: Water polluted with bacteria can cause stomach infections and other health complications​.

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Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated Safely

To enjoy your time in India without worrying about water, follow these practical tips:

1. Stick to Bottled Water

• Always buy sealed bottles from trusted stores.
• Check the seal to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with.
• Brands like Bisleri and Kinley are usually reliable.

2. Use Water Purification Tablets

• Ideal for trips to remote areas or when bottled water isn’t available.
• Just pop one into your water, and it’ll be safe to drink after a few minutes.

3. Bring a Portable Water Filter

• Filters designed for travel can remove bacteria and viruses.
• Look for models that also remove chemicals like heavy metals.

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The Jal Jeevan Mission: Government Efforts

India is working hard to improve water quality, especially in rural areas. The government’s Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe piped water to all households by 2024​. 

So far, over 49% of rural homes have gained access to piped water. However, even with these improvements, it’s still safer for travellers to rely on purified water for now.

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Hygiene Tips to Keep You Safe

Beyond drinking, you also need to be careful about how you use water in everyday tasks. 

Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth with bottled water: Even a small exposure to tap water can cause illness.
• Avoid ice in drinks: Ice is often made from tap water, so skip it, even in restaurants.
• Be cautious with raw foods: Salads or fruit may be washed with unsafe water, so stick to cooked foods or peel your own fruit.

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Enjoying India Without Worry

India is a land of diverse cultures, vibrant colours, and unforgettable experiences. From sipping chai at a roadside stall to exploring ancient temples, there’s so much to see and do. By following these water safety tips, you’ll ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

So, pack those water purification tablets, grab a reusable bottle with a filter, and get ready to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Safe travels!