Drinking Water

Iain G · Post by **Iain G** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 7:03 am

Is it advisable not to drink tap water in Tobago?

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 7:29 am

Hi Iain

The official line is that it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Tobago. However, heavy chlorination/sanitisation can make the water taste very chemically at times.

My general advice is driven more by the taste of the water than any safety issues, but people who, like me, suffer from slightly sensitive digestive systems when they travel may want to stick to bottled water as a drink. However, don't hesitate to use tap water for general usage - such as cleaning your teeth, etc. When self-catering, we always use tap water when making coffee, but tea can be improved when made with bottled water because of the sometimes strong taste of the tap water.

Having said all that, I must admit its not much different here in Britain. I've just been swearing about my current packet of filter coffee because it tastes so crap. Found out yesterday that its not the coffee - its the damned tap water. They must be flushing the pipes or something because it tastes horrible at the moment.

Iain G · Post by **Iain G** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 9:03 am

Thanks Steve. I now know that if I get a raging thirst during the night I can take a drink from the tap reasonably safely. I certainly agree with your comments about using bottled water for tea!

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 7:47 pm

We bought locally bottled gallon jugs of water at Penny Savers for very little money. I agree with Steve--coffee or tea made with the tap water left something to be desired!!

Andy D · Post by **Andy D** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 10:17 pm

Agree with the above comments,whilst in Tobago we used the tap water for general use but bought the five litre bottles of purified water from supermarkets/shops for very little money,good for sensitive stomachs and for young children.

Steve Pitts · Post by **Steve Pitts** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:16 am

Hi Andy

No problems with the tap water, but we use bottled for beverages and drinking fruit squashes etc. Also pop a couple of smaller bottles in the freezer overnight to use the following day. Just as effective as ice packs for your packed lunch and you can drink 'em too.
5 litre bottles available in all surpermarkets for a couple of quid.

Steve - I understand that men of a certain age get trouble with their water-works. I'm sure you'll feel all the better for having your pipes flushed.

Cheers
Steve