Is it Safe to Consume Tap Water in South America?

When travelling, one of the biggest and most dangerous causes of illness, is consuming water in another country that isn’t fit for human consumption.

In the event that water is deemed unfit for human consumption, it is contaminated in some way. Any form of contaminated water has either bacteria or parasites that can enter the body, which is a suitable environment for them to thrive in.

Bacteria and parasites can cause a lot of stomach problems and lead to severe illnesses. Before travelling to a country, it is thus crucial to do your research and find out whether it’s safe to consume the tap water.

Given that you’re visiting another country, make sure to check whether other tourists buy bottled water or consume tap water. If most people consume tap water, it is probably safe to do so. However, one can never be too careful, so do proper research on where you’re going and ask the locals whether the water is fine to consume. The last thing you want to worry about is getting a stomach bug, or a virus in another country.

Should you find yourself in a country that doesn’t have adequate tap water, you should either purchase bottled water or carry a portable water purifier with you.

5 South American countries: Should you or shouldn’t you consume tap water?

Bolivia – As the country that contains some of the most contaminated tap water in Latin America, ensure that you don’t even use the water brush your teeth, much less drink it. Instead, purchase bottled water.

Brazil – A country known for its outstanding soccer, you would think that Brazil would at least have clean tap water. You can consume the tap water, as it is safe to drink, yet tourists have described it as tasting awful.

Chile – Except for San Pedro de Atacama, Chile’s tap water is safe to consume. Although, it’s still better to buy bottled water, as there have been many reports that state that the water causes stomach illnesses and can even cause kidney failure.

Argentina – The entire country’s water is safe to drink. However, in rural areas, it tastes like chemicals such as chlorine, which could disrupt the harmonic functioning of both your stomach and digestive system.

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