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Water Safety in Egypt


The government claims the tap water is safe; however, every recommends that you do NOT drink it. It is best to either: use a reverse osmosis water tap or buy bottled water. It is safe to drink water that has been boiled. I do use the tap water to brush my teeth; however, some people don't. Water can be delivered from a variety of companies and grocery stores. It is best to keep additional drinking water in your house at all times. 

In the kitchen it is best to boil water before cooking with it. Also, all produce needs to be properly washed. I recommend using a gallon of tap water with a table spoon of bleach. Soak produce for 10 to 15 minutes (use less time for delicate items like herbs or berries). Air dry all produce before storing. 

There are frequent water shot offs in Cairo. Usually they last only a few hours, but can last longer. I recommend that you save used water bottles and fill them with tap water. Save a reserve of tap water for washing in case your water is shut off. 
 


Article written by nmartin
Last update on 2009-09-29 23:14:12
Guide section: Health care

 

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Comments


  • Melanie21... Nestle (call 19800)delivers the big jugs for water coolers, not sure about smaller bottles. they also sell water coolers. But you can also get cases of water delivered from the grocery store.
    By KJ2012 2012-03-07, 13h46
      Reply  
    • Can you tell me which Companies deliver water? I can't find one!
      By Melanie21 2011-08-08, 11h01
        Reply  
      • i would never ever ever use bleach for any kind of food cleansing :s
        TimmyUK
        By TimmyUK 2011-07-18, 17h58
          Reply  
        • Asalamu Alaykom,

          I used a filter for a while but gave it up. Now, I boil the water in an electric tea kettle, then let it cool. I have four heavy glass juice bottles which I washed out and re-use for this. Don't put the metal lid on again as it rusts and molds. Actually, letting the water stand makes the chlorine evaporate.

          I use tap water to brush my teeth and wash my fruits and vegtables.

          Be careful when visting Egyptian homes or attending parties. The water you see in a plastic bottle is often tap water. Don't drink it. Carry your own water with you wherever you go. Don't accept fruit drinks which they've made by hand since you know it's got tap water in it.

          If you do have stomach upset from drinking the water, the best cure is Antinal from the pharmacy.
          After Hardship
          By After Hardship 2011-02-28, 23h41
            Reply  
          • the water in Egypt is not the same it change from place to other but the most important thing you have to use water filter and boil the water before use it in kitchen
            By amarakl 2010-06-22, 19h46
              Reply  
            • There's enough plastic trash to deal with in Egypt so the advice to buy a filter for your kitchen tap (instead of bottled water) is a great one!

              One example:
              http://globewellegypt.com/newstyle.htm

              If you prefer not to use chemicals like bleach, try vinegar.

              "Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to 1 pint water and use to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. Research has shown that vinegar helps kill bacteria on fruits and vegetables."
              dahabdabbler
              By dahabdabbler 2010-01-14, 08h22
                Reply  
              Any question? Please ask on the Egypt forum.

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