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CRYSTAL CLEAR

Map reveals exactly where you can and can’t drink tap water on holiday

FROM visas to jabs, there are a lot of things to think about before jetting off abroad.

But another factor which many travellers often forget about is the drinking water situation - until they get thirsty, that is.

Map reveals exactly where you can and can't drink tap water on holiday
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Map reveals exactly where you can and can't drink tap water on holiday

Drinking unsafe water can give you all sorts of nasty bugs from diarrhoea and Hepatitis A to typhoid and cholera, the NHS says.

So it's worth knowing how safe the water is in your chosen destination before turning on the tap.

This map, based on advice from USA's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has revealed where you should be more vigilant with your water. 

The countries included are the top 20 holiday destinations for Brits in 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Read more on travel health

According to the CDC, the majority of vacation hotspots produce safe-to-drink tap water.

In Europe, this includes Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Netherlands, Romania, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.

And outside of Europe, the US and the United Arab Emirates also provide clean enough tap water.

However, travellers should opt for bottled water in the following countries: Turkey, India, Mexico, Morocco and Cyprus.

Travel experts at insurance company AllClear warned that even in countries where the water is considered safe, it's worth bearing in mind that you may still fall ill.

A spokesperson said: "The quality and composition [of water] will always be different to what you’re used to.

"In some countries, for example, the mineral content will be different, and it could be irritating to your stomach if you are already sensitive to gastrointestinal disruptions.

"In this case, it could be worth sticking to bottled water instead."

And when heading to countries where the tap water isn't safe, make sure to avoid it at all costs.

This means not drinking it, but also steering clear of salads and fresh herbs which may have been washed in it, the NHS says.

It also advises using bottled water to brush your teeth and asking for drinks without ice.

Filtered, bottled, boiled or chemically treated water should be used instead.

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