Do Ya Drink the Water ?

[Sid22]

So when you're in Mexico everyone says don't drink the water. What about other countries? We plan on hanging out down in the Bahamas/Carib then head to Guatemala and up. We plan on having a watermaker but if it breaks we'll go with local water. Do you have to purify in certain places? What do you use? Any info would be helpful..

[capngeo]

Filter and Chlorinate to 3-5 PPM (pool test kit is great for the measure) and you're probably fine

[rebel heart]

We keep a Britta in the galley regardless. People in Mexico drink the water in Mexico and are fine. If memory serves all that's happening is that different microorganisms exist in different parts of the world's water supplies, and the initial batch of stomach problems you get is your intestines adjusting.

[capngeo]

Wive's tale has it that the capsicum and oleoresin in the spicy food are how the locals ward off Montezuma's Revenge!

[Astrid]

Presonally, I would if it is at all suspect.

OA Guide to Water Purification

[svtadpole]

Chlorinate it or boil it ...

[daddle]

I've drank the water everywhere in Mexico. So far so good. Some is rather silty. That makes a mess in the tanks unless filtered. It also renders chlorination somewhat ineffective.

[kb79]

how many people have filtration systems built into their water circuit? any filters to recommend? i've got camping filters that supposedly filter out microbes - seems like there should be something you can put on a boat that does the same thing.

it'd be nice to avoid the chlorination.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by kb79

how many people have filtration systems built into their water circuit? any filters to recommend? i've got camping filters that supposedly filter out microbes - seems like there should be something you can put on a boat that does the same thing.

it'd be nice to avoid the chlorination.

A five Micron filter before a good charcol filter then a UV light. Easy setup anyone can build or buy a pre manufactured unit.

[Astrid]

One needs to filter the water first, if possible, to remove silt and particulates before adding chlorine or iodine. This will improve the efficiency of water treatment.

for purification tablets:

Military Water Purification Tablets / Tabs

buy Potable Aqua Plus at www.bentgate.com - Free Shipping

@Sid:

Carry spares for the watermaker, just in case. One would hate to be out of water and drop the hook in a port only to find a cholera or typhoid epidemic in progress.

[Astrid]

A five Micron filter before a good charcol filter then a UV light. Easy setup anyone can build or buy a pre manufactured unit.

.2 microns is necessary for bacteria such as cholera, while protozoa such as giardia are up in the 1 to 4 micron range. Viruses on the other hand would require .004 micron filters.

[Bash]

I do at least two trips to Baja per year, and I drink the tap water. Have never once contracted the tourista.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Bash

I do at least two trips to Baja per year, and I drink the tap water. Have never once contracted the tourista.

Urban legends die hard.

A bunch of white pasty Americans go down to Mexico, drink tons of beer and eat lots of burritos. Then they're sick.

Must be the water!

[John A]

Only people in Mexico who, over time, have built up an immunity to the water, drink their water, the rest died at an early age.
Be careful eating salades as they have been washed in local water.
The water at the marina at Cabo San Lucas is suspect at best.
Most people (including Richard of Latitude38) do not drink water from their watermakers. They use bottled water.

[kb79]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Urban legends die hard.

A bunch of white pasty Americans go down to Mexico, drink tons of beer and eat lots of burritos. Then they're sick.

Must be the water!

i just laughed so hard that people are peering over the cubicle walls. thanks, rebel