Published on: July 13, 2026
There are many things to consider when you travel abroad. Packing the right clothes, booking flights and hotels, planning itineraries, and preparing medications are all important. One of the most common—and often overlooked—questions travelers ask is:
Is it safe to drink the tap water when you arrive at your destination?
The short answer is that tap water can make travelers sick when it contains disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful contaminants. Water safety varies by destination and can even differ between nearby cities and rural areas. If you cannot confirm that tap water is safe, use factory-sealed bottled water or properly boiled or treated water.
Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting sick while traveling. And when it comes to illness abroad, it is not just about a few extra trips to the bathroom. Contaminated drinking water is a significant source of travel-related illness worldwide, according to CDC Travelers’ Health.
Polluted water can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to serious bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. As residents of the Tampa Bay area, we recommend visiting a travel clinic before international travel so you can prepare properly and reduce health risks.
If you are planning an upcoming trip, visit the IDATB Travel Clinic for destination-specific food, water, vaccination, and travel-health guidance.
Traveling internationally soon? Schedule a pre-travel consultation with IDATB so you can understand the health risks at your destination before you leave.
Why Does Drinking Water in Other Countries Make You Sick?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: Why does drinking water in other countries make you sick, even when some locals drink it without noticeable issues?
In many cases, it is not just about whether water looks or tastes clean. Water may contain different microbes and pathogens, including disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. A traveler may have little or no prior exposure to these organisms.
Some local residents may have developed partial immunity through repeated exposure, but this does not mean the water is safe or that locals cannot become sick. Waterborne illness can affect both residents and visitors.
There are also real infrastructure and treatment differences between regions. In some places, water treatment may be inconsistent, pipes may be old, and contamination can occur between treatment facilities and the tap. Even in well-developed destinations, localized advisories may be issued because of pipe breaks, flooding, natural disasters, contamination, or temporary treatment changes.
If you have ever wondered why they say not to drink the water when you go to another country, the safest answer is simple: travelers may not be able to confirm what is in the tap water from one location or day to the next. Getting sick from contaminated water can disrupt a trip and, in some situations, lead to serious complications.
For pre-travel guidance, the CDC destination pages are a strong starting point. Travelers should also review current local water advisories because conditions can change.
Tap Water Regulation and Quality
In the United States, public drinking water, or tap water, is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA, with standards for processing and bottling.
Worldwide, tap water safety varies significantly. Some countries promote their tap water as safe, while others issue public advisories against drinking it. In many cases, water safety is tied to infrastructure, treatment practices, sanitation, environmental conditions, and how consistently water systems are maintained.
Even if a city advertises chlorinated water, that does not automatically mean the water is free from every possible contaminant. Chlorine can reduce many pathogens, but it does not address every risk, including certain parasites and chemical contaminants. The WHO drinking-water fact sheet provides a useful overview of global drinking-water concerns.
Water advertised as safe in one city may not have the same safety level in a rural area, island, village, remote destination, or location affected by flooding or infrastructure damage. Travelers should avoid making assumptions based only on the country they are visiting.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?
The short answer is: It depends on where you are and the current local conditions.
In some destinations, tap water may be safe for both locals and visitors. In other areas, it may be unsafe because of pathogens, inconsistent treatment, contaminated pipes, environmental factors, or temporary water advisories.
If you are unsure, it is safer to avoid tap water and use factory-sealed bottled water, properly boiled water, or appropriately treated water for:
- Drinking
- Brushing your teeth and other mouth care
- Rinsing fruits and vegetables
- Mixing infant formula
- Making ice and cold drinks
- Preparing food
- Taking medications
- Cleaning reusable water bottles
Check that bottled water has an intact factory seal before drinking it. In places where bottled-water quality is uncertain, carbonated bottled drinks may provide an additional sign that the container has not simply been refilled with tap water.
If you want evidence-based guidance, the CDC guidance on safe water practices is a reliable reference.
Can You Get Sick From Tap Water?
Yes, you can get sick from tap water if it contains disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful chemical contaminants.
Travelers commonly experience illness after exposure to waterborne pathogens. Depending on the destination and type of contamination, potentially harmful organisms may include certain strains of E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, norovirus, Shigella, Salmonella, or organisms associated with cholera and typhoid fever.
Exposure can happen through drinking tap water directly, but it can also occur through:
- Ice cubes made from tap water
- Fresh produce rinsed in tap water, including salads and fruit
- Food prepared with untreated water
- Brushing your teeth using tap water
- Drinks mixed with contaminated water
- Infant formula prepared with unsafe water
- Accidentally swallowing water while showering
- Swimming or participating in water activities where the water may be contaminated
It is important to remember that freezing does not kill many disease-causing microbes. A drink served “on the rocks” can therefore carry some of the same risks as drinking the tap water itself when the ice was made from unsafe water.
If you are planning international travel, a pre-travel consultation at the IDATB Travel Clinic can help you understand the risks at your destination and learn how to reduce them.
Not sure what is safe at your destination? IDATB’s travel-medicine team can provide guidance based on your itinerary, health history, planned activities, and travel dates.
Research Tap Water Before You Travel Internationally
Before traveling, review the water-safety guidance for your destination and plan your habits accordingly. If your destination has active water advisories, inconsistent treatment, or limited sanitation infrastructure, plan to use bottled or properly treated water for your daily needs.
Resources worth checking before you depart include:
You should also:
- Review recent local government or public-health advisories
- Check conditions for the specific city or region you will visit
- Ask your hotel or tour operator how drinking water is treated
- Confirm whether hotel ice is made with treated water
- Pack an appropriate water-treatment method for remote travel
- Schedule a pre-travel health consultation before departure
If you are visiting multiple regions during one trip, remember that water safety can differ between cities and rural areas. Conditions can also vary between hotels, private accommodations, restaurants, and remote locations.
Where Not to Drink Tap Water Abroad
Smart travelers research local conditions before they arrive. Water quality should be part of your travel planning, particularly if you will be visiting remote areas where medical care, treated water, or reliable sanitation may be limited.
Some destinations and regions have public warnings about water quality. One example list can be found in these warnings about water quality. However, third-party country lists should not be treated as definitive medical or public-health guidance because conditions can differ within a country and change over time.
Even within the same country, the water may be safer in some major cities than in rural areas. Some large hotels may use additional treatment systems, while villages and remote accommodations may require boiled or bottled water. Always confirm the current conditions instead of assuming that every location within a country has the same water quality.
When in doubt, it is safer to rely on factory-sealed bottled water, correctly boiled water, or an approved filtration and disinfection system.
Are Travel Water Filters Safe?
A portable water filter can be useful, but not every filter removes every health risk. Filter performance depends on the filter’s pore size, design, condition, and intended use.
Some filters may remove certain parasites and bacteria but may not reliably remove viruses. Many portable filters also do not remove chemical contaminants, heavy metals, fuel, or radioactive materials. In higher-risk situations, filtering followed by proper disinfection may be necessary.
If you are considering a filter, review the CDC’s guidance on choosing a water filter you can trust. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and replace filter components as recommended.
Travelers visiting remote locations should discuss their planned water-treatment method with a qualified travel-health provider before departure.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink After Boiling?
Boiling is one of the most effective ways to kill many disease-causing microbes. If you are asking is tap water safe to drink after boiling, the answer is often yes for microbial risks—but boiling has limits.
Boiling can reduce the risk from many bacteria, viruses, and parasites when it is done correctly. However, boiling does not remove certain chemical contaminants, fuel, radioactive materials, or heavy metals. In some cases, boiling may concentrate chemical contaminants as water evaporates.
That is why destination research and local advisories still matter. If authorities issue a “do not use” advisory because of toxic chemicals or fuel, boiling will not make the water safe.
For detailed instructions, refer to the CDC safe water instructions.
Does Boiling Water Make It Safe to Drink?
If you are wondering does boiling water make it safe to drink, boiling is a strong option for reducing microbial contamination—as long as it is done correctly and the water is not contaminated by harmful chemicals or fuel.
The CDC recommends bringing clear water to a full rolling boil for at least one full minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil the water for three minutes. Allow it to cool naturally before use and store it in properly cleaned, sanitized containers with tight covers.
How to Safely Boil Water
Boiling water sounds straightforward, but safe boiling requires the correct steps to reduce microbial risks.
The CDC recommends that travelers:
- Bring clear water to a full rolling boil.
- Boil the water for at least one full minute.
- At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil the water for three minutes.
- Let the water cool naturally.
- Store it in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.
If your water is cloudy, filter it first using a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter. You can also allow sediment to settle, draw the clearer water from the top, and then boil it. Discard the sediment-heavy water.
Boiled water should not be returned to a dirty container. Clean hands, cups, bottle openings, and storage containers are also important for preventing the water from becoming contaminated again.
Potential Illnesses From Dirty Tap Water
Waterborne contamination can lead to both mild and severe illness. According to the CDC overview of waterborne diseases, waterborne disease may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that spread through water.
The effects depend on what is in the water, how much a person is exposed to, and their overall health. General effects associated with contaminated water may include:
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Reproductive problems associated with certain contaminants
- Neurological disorders associated with certain contaminants
For travelers exposed to disease-causing microbes, the more immediate symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Severe nausea
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Intestinal or stomach cramping
- Dehydration
People at greater risk of serious complications may include infants, young children, pregnant travelers, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions.
If you experience these symptoms while traveling, seek medical care promptly—especially if symptoms worsen, persist, or become severe. Many cases improve within a few days, but dehydration and other complications can be serious.
Maintain hydration using safe fluids such as factory-sealed bottled water, properly boiled water, or oral rehydration and electrolyte drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeine while recovering because they may contribute to dehydration.
For a high-level overview of research involving food- and waterborne pathogens, review the NIAID emerging infectious disease research areas.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Seek medical attention if you experience serious or persistent symptoms after possible exposure to contaminated water, including:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days
- Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
- Fever above 102°F
- Severe abdominal pain
- Confusion, dizziness, or unusual weakness
- Very little urination
- Dry mouth or other signs of dehydration
- Symptoms that continue or worsen after returning home
Travelers who are pregnant, immunocompromised, older, or caring for an infant or young child should seek individualized medical advice promptly.
This article provides general educational information and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified medical professional. Call emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department for severe or life-threatening symptoms.
Feeling sick after international travel? IDATB’s infectious disease specialists can help evaluate persistent or concerning symptoms after you return.
How a Pre-Travel Consultation Can Help
Water safety is only one part of preparing for international travel. A pre-travel consultation can help you understand health risks related to your destination, itinerary, planned activities, accommodations, medical history, and length of stay.
Depending on your destination and individual health needs, a consultation may cover:
- Destination-specific food and water precautions
- Recommended or required vaccinations
- Prevention of mosquito-borne and other infectious diseases
- Medication planning when medically appropriate
- Managing existing health conditions during travel
- Safe hydration and water-treatment options
- Steps to take if you become sick during or after your trip
Ideally, schedule your consultation four to six weeks before departure so there is enough time to discuss recommended precautions and allow certain vaccines to take effect. However, travelers with last-minute plans may still benefit from professional guidance.
Tampa Travel Clinic | Infectious Disease Associates of Tampa Bay
Are you looking for a travel clinic in Tampa, FL? At Infectious Disease Associates of Tampa Bay, we provide guidance for international travelers to help reduce preventable travel-health risks.
With over 30 years of experience and access to an in-house lab for necessary testing, our team helps travelers prepare for common concerns, including food and water safety.
IDATB serves travelers through its Tampa Bay locations, including Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Whether you are preparing for a vacation, business trip, study-abroad program, mission trip, or visit with family overseas, our team can provide guidance based on your destination and individual health needs.
If you have questions about contaminated water or travel-related illness prevention, please contact us or call 813-251-8444.
Protect your health before you leave. Visit the IDATB Travel Clinic or call 813-251-8444 to schedule a destination-specific travel consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Water in Other Countries Make You Sick?
Water in another country can make you sick if it contains disease-causing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or harmful contaminants. Treatment practices, sanitation, infrastructure, and local conditions vary. Travelers may also have no previous exposure or immunity to certain pathogens found at their destination.
Can You Get Sick From Tap Water in Another Country?
Yes. You can become sick by drinking contaminated tap water or through indirect exposure from ice, food, rinsed produce, drinks, or brushing your teeth. When you cannot confirm the water is safe, use factory-sealed bottled water or properly boiled or treated water.
Can I Brush My Teeth With Tap Water Abroad?
If local guidance says the tap water may be unsafe, use factory-sealed bottled water or properly treated water for brushing your teeth. Avoid getting questionable tap water in your mouth, even if you do not intend to swallow it.
Can Ice Cubes Make You Sick While Traveling?
Yes. Freezing does not reliably kill many disease-causing microbes. Ice made with contaminated tap water can carry some of the same risks as drinking the water directly. Ask whether the ice was made with treated water or avoid it when you are uncertain.
Is Hotel Tap Water Safe to Drink?
A hotel’s location, water source, plumbing, and treatment practices can affect water safety. Do not assume that hotel tap water is safe because the property appears modern. Check current destination guidance and ask the hotel how its drinking water and ice are treated.
Does Boiling Tap Water Make It Completely Safe?
Boiling can kill many bacteria, viruses, and parasites, but it does not remove every contaminant. It will not reliably remove fuel, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, or heavy metals. Follow local advisories and use another water source when chemical contamination is suspected.
How Long Should I Boil Water While Traveling?
Bring clear water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute. At elevations above 6,500 feet, boil it for three minutes. Let the water cool naturally and store it in a clean, sanitized container with a tight cover.
What Should I Do if I Accidentally Drink Tap Water Abroad?
Do not panic. A single exposure does not guarantee that you will become sick. Monitor for diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or dehydration. Drink safe fluids and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe, persist, or include bloody diarrhea or a high fever.
When Should I Visit a Travel Clinic Before an International Trip?
Ideally, schedule a travel-health consultation four to six weeks before departure. This provides time to review destination-specific risks, discuss food and water safety, receive appropriate vaccinations, and prepare for other health concerns connected to your itinerary.
Where Can I Schedule a Travel Consultation in Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay travelers can visit the IDATB Travel Clinic for destination-specific guidance. To schedule a consultation, call 813-251-8444.
