About tap water safety
Tap water safety varies enormously across the world. In developed nations with strong infrastructure, water goes through multiple treatment stages before reaching your tap. In many developing regions, ageing pipes, insufficient treatment and contamination remain serious public health challenges.
Warning signs in your tap water
- Discolouration β yellow, brown or cloudy water.
- Unusual smell β chlorine, sulphur or metallic odour.
- Strange taste β bitter, salty or metallic.
- Local health notice or boil-water advisory in your area.
How to make water safe at home
- Use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter for heavy metals including lead.
- Use a reverse osmosis system for the most complete purification.
- Boil water for one minute to kill bacteria and parasites.
- Use UV sterilisation tablets when travelling in regions with unsafe water.