Is it safe to drink the water in Mexico?

Question

Im going to playa del carmen this weekend, ive heard everything from don't drink the water to don't eat fruit to don't eat the fish. will someone who has actually been there please tell me the real deal.

thanks

Answer 1

The water is not filtered as in the US.  People who have grown up with it have developed immunity from the bacteria.  We Americans are used to filtered drinking water so, you may get some sickness is you drink it.  I used to live in San Diego and visited Tijuana and other Mexican cities often.  As to the food, I never got sick on it.  Their beer is good and so is the wine and soda.

Answer 2

Charlie has a good answer.

I've been to Mexico and other parts of Central America, and followed the rules and have not gotten sick.  I have had friends who thought they did not have to be careful and ate whatever they wanted (fresh fruits, etc.) and they DID get sick.

Seriously, play it safe, you don't want to ruin your trip.

Also, I was told if you are buying water from a street vendor, make sure that the bottle hasn't been open (cap is still intact) as there have been reports of shady vendors filling empty bottles with the tap water there and selling it.

Answer 3

i wouldn't drink water, eat any fresh vegetables or fruits. yes they can give you the runs. I would only drink bottled water. Also if you are going to drink sodas get one that is cold and that doesn't have ice added to it as that may also be contaminated.

Answer 4

The tap water in Cancun and numerous other Mexican cities is treated with CLORO

You can see the covers on the streets that Auga Potable"

Do you think that the street vendor wants to put he and his family out of Business.

IF THEY WERE SENDING SWAMP WATER THERE WOULD BE CHOLERA AND DEATHS IN THE THOUSANDS.

It is not the water that is making you sick.

I have spoken to hundreds of people that say"I drank bottled water only"

Not to mention an immunity to bacteria--whats up with that.

NOT ALL Mexicans drink bottled water.

All the heat chiles and spices and not drinking water can lead to health issues.

If you get hit with bad water , you will know it--Fever ,severe cramps ,chill and dry heaves and dysentry

One other issue are the old storage tanks that are on most homes and some of them are not sealed and THAT tap water should be avoided

I know a guy that has been filling up his water jug for 15 years before it gets to the tank and has never had a problem

You need to do some research on Capama and watch the local news if you speak a little Spanish.

There are water treatment plants all over the country

E- COLI WILL KILL ANYONE

I cant believe you Mexicans in the know are not jumping all over this issue

Answer 5

Water, fruit and fish are COMPLETELY SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don´t worry about anything. I mean you won't drink water directly from a hose, that's common sense!

Going to a beach and not having and fish or sea food is like a crime! Fish is great in Playa!

And the fruit is very good!!!!

Answer 6

That is totally not true, you can eat and drink whatever you want here in Mexico without a be wory of getting sick.

Answer 7

dont drink tap water, but u can drink any potable water they give u in the restaurants including the ice

Answer 8

I was watching some show on cable about other countries and their food. They said the reason people say dont eat the produce or drink the water is because certain regions have things in their water that the residents build immunities to. They said whenever you travel to another country that it is smart to use bottled water otherwise you could get sick from things you aren't used to in your country. Same goes for produce ..although they did say that if you clean your produce REALLY well that you sould be fine...but as far as prepared food...be weary....just what I heard and it makes sense.

Have fun!!!

Answer 9

Resturants in tourist areas use bottled water to serve guests and to make ice.  EVERYBODY in Mexico drinks bottled water and the hotel puts it in your room to brush your teeth with. Food in these restaurants is safe...they would not stay in business if they were careless and people got sick.  Do not eat food from street vendors.  Wash fresh fruit thoroughly and peel it.  The fish is fine.

Answer 10

Charlie and casadech... got it right. ALL water has bacteria, no matter where you are. The problem comes from bacteria you are not used to. Any even half way decent restaurant will be using purified water for drinking, for ice, for cleaning veggies.