Drinking water is a must for survival, but especially in a desert country like Qatar. I’ve grown accustomed to carrying bottled water everywhere I go, but sometimes you may run out or forget the bottle somewhere, and then what are you supposed to do?
Can I drink the tap water in Doha, Qatar? Yes, you can safely drink tap water in Doha, Qatar, however it is recommended that you stick to bottled water when possible. This is especially true if you are visiting and are not used to the tap water. The WHO claims it is safe, however the CDC says it is not, so use caution when consuming it.
It is treated at the water plant, however the pipes used to transport the water from the treatment plant to the taps may contain elements, like trace amounts of lead and arsenic, that can contaminate the water. If you must drink tap water it is recommended that you take extra care by filtering and boiling it before consumption.
How Will I Know If The Water Is Contaminated Or Not?
In the United States tap water has become somewhat of a luxury that we may oftentimes take for granted. Its safe drinkability is not something that many people take time to consider, let alone appreciate. Other countries are not so lucky when it comes to having safe tap water to drink.
If the water has any color to it, or cloudiness, don’t risk it. Also, you won’t really be able to tell if the water is good or safe just by the taste or odor. The tap water in Qatar should always taste good and have no smell to it since it has been previously treated.
Really the only way you will be able to tell if the water is safely drinkable is after you have had some. If it’s not good it will not sit well in your stomach. If you drink bad tap water in Qatar you can expect to encounter some symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, among others.
Even if you don’t start to experience any of these symptoms right away that doesn’t mean the water is 100% clean and free of contamination. Some people have a stomach that is just tougher and can endure more than others. It is recommended, if you do drink tap water in Doha, that you do so in moderation. Bottled water is the best way to go.
What Do The Locals In Qatar Do?
Most of the locals in Qatar have grown accustomed to the tap water there. With that being said, many still prefer to drink bottled water and stick to using tap water for other tasks like bathing, brushing their teeth, and laundry. Some don’t even like to use the tap water for their tea and coffee or for cooking. A lot of Qatari households have even resorted to purchasing expensive filtering devices for their homes and kitchen sinks.
There are certain guidelines and thresholds of elements set by the World Health Organization and, according to a report from QEERI (Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute) back in 2016, the water samples had all fallen below the set safe thresholds. They did, however, also admit that while the water is “safe” it may not be “healthy” to drink regularly due to a deficiency of other minerals and vitamins.
No matter where you are in the world and what tap water you’re drinking, constantly consuming water that lacks vital nutrients, like magnesium and potassium, can lead to a number of health issues. These can include hypertension, metabolic disorders, intestinal problems, and even obesity. Many of these health conditions do not present themselves right away and can even take years to develop. Due to this it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause that made them appear, and not many people would jump to tap water for their first culprit.
What About The Water At The Qatar Doha Hotels?
Most tap water that comes out of the taps at the luxury hotels should be fine for consumption on a limited basis. A lot of the hotels take the treated water and pass it through another round of filtration, so it is usually a little better than what you would encounter at restaurants or Qatari homes.
Also, you will likely notice that most hotels offer free bottled water. When given the option between tap or bottled, at least in Doha, you ought to choose the latter. While there is a debate as to if the bottled water in Doha is actually any safer than the tap (some sites and authorities claim it’s not), it may help at least mentally make you feel like you’re making the healthier decision.
