The Water Safety Plan put into effect by the Water Research Commission provides a structured system providing consistently safe water to drink in Africa. This includes protecting the source of the water, treating it through various methods when indicated, preventing contamination during distribution, and keeping it safe inside the homes. This process provides action plans to respond to unforeseen hazards and ensures that safe water is supplied for drinking.

African drinking water is quite safe from a tap or faucet; it is some of the cleanest and safest in the world. It fulfills World Health Organization requirements. African drinking water however can be rich in minerals, which may mean the flavor takes a little getting used to.

Avoid drinking water from rivers or streams especially near villages. These may contain water-borne diseases. In remote areas, an unpolluted mountain stream can provide a refreshing drink. If you question the safety of the water, boiling it for ten minutes, or adding a teaspoon of bleach per 25 liters will provide safe water to drink. Allow chemically treated water to stand for two hours before drinking or using it to prepare food or drink. A slight brown color to tap water or natural waters comes from humic acid. This is a harmless compound and doesn’t effect drinking water safety.

However, actually contaminated drinking water can cause mild gastrointestinal distress or serious bacterial disease. E-coli, cholera and salmonella, are the most common water-borne illnesses. Protozoa, like giardia and cryptosporidium; or viruses, like hepatitis A, polio, and rotavirus, along with chemical pollutants, may be in water near inhabited rural villages. Many visitors have no immunity whatever to these pathogens, while the local people have adapted to their water supply and suffer no adverse effects.

Before traveling to an area, you may want to check with someone who has traveled there or a resident of that section of the country and ask about water safety. You can also check the CDC’s web site for region-specific safety information. Chlorinated water doesn’t necessarily mean it carries no contaminant. If you are unsure, don’t drink the local water.

Some people still feel safest using bottled water, and it is becoming more popular throughout Africa. Bottled water needs to come from a sealed, tamper-proof container. You are usually safe drinking tea, coffee, canned soda, juice, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks. Boiling water used in hot drinks will kill many of the parasites which might be contained in the water at normal temperature.

The water used to make your ice cubes, brush your teeth, or wash your contact lenses or dentures can cause illness, not just the water you drink. So make certain ALL your water is safe. If water in your area is questionable use boiled or purified water for these tasks as well. Because freezing doesn’t kill bacteria, iced drinks are the same as drinking tap water. You may make your own ice after having boiled the water and they will be safe to use.

Remember that food also may have been rinsed in water and become contaminated. Salads and fresh fruits especially fall into this category. When you are eating in a restaurant, not a street shop, in a medium to large African city, you are likely safe, since their water will meet safe drinking requirements.

A SteriPEN kills bacteria, viruses and protozoa, using ultraviolet light. It is an easily portable, very effective, battery powered, convenient sterilization method to take anywhere. It is somewhat expensive, but worth it if you will be in an area of Africa with a questionable water supply for an extended period, or if you visit areas with unsafe water supplies. Whatever method you choose to purify the water you question as safe, it needs to suit your own requirements. The safest systems combine filtering with chemical purification.

If, in spite of all your precautions, you become sick with a water-borne illness showing symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea, and chills, these will usually clear up on their own after a few days. Should they worsen or are very severe, get medical help. Stay well hydrated with sports drinks, bottled or boiled water, and other safe fluids. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages which contribute to dehydration. Anti-diarrheal medications may also clear the illness more quickly.

If the indigenous population drinks the water without ill effects, it won’t contain giardiasis. Should you be staying for more then four weeks, you may want to drink the water to get used to some of the microbes which might be contained in it. Start with small amounts to permit your body time to adapt.

Remember that these precautions are only necessary in more primitive areas of Africa, and, as the beginning of this article states, most of the water supply on the African continent is safe to drink.