Is It Safe To Drink Water In Dubai In 2023?

In Short: Dubai’s tap water is safe to drink as it undergoes desalination and chlorine treatment to meet global safety standards. Boiling it can add an extra safety layer for those with health concerns. Water filters are a wise option for residents due to potential contaminants from pipes and tanks.

The Reassuring Reality: Dubai’s Safe Tap Water

Tap water in Dubai is generally safe to drink.

One of the most frequently asked questions by visitors to Dubai is whether it’s safe to drink tap water. The resounding answer is yes, you can drink tap water in Dubai as long as you ensure that necessary steps have been taken to eliminate the potential risks of drinking Dubai’s tap water stored in your water tanks.

The city’s tap water is sourced from desalination plants and undergoes stringent purification processes to meet international safety standards.

Chlorine Treatment: A Key Safety Measure

Dubai’s water supply is treated with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.

Dubai takes water safety seriously, and one of the measures in place to ensure this is the use of chlorine treatment.

Chlorine is added to the water supply to effectively kill harmful bacteria and viruses, making the tap water safe for consumption.

This practice is consistent with many developed countries and ensures that the water you drink is free from microbiological contaminants.

Water Quality Standards In Dubai

Water quality standards in Dubai are regulated by the United Arab Emirates’ GSO 149 and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) drinking water standards.

The GSO 149 lists the requirements for safe tap drinking water, which ensures that the water has no microbes or pathogens, does not contain any substances that affect color, taste, odor, or appearance, and is free of foreign bodies visible to the naked eye.

GSO 149 also specifies the correct proportion of dissolved minerals in the water.

Almost all the water in Dubai is desalinated seawater, including 99% of the locally produced drinking waters, which results in super low hardness in general.

To ensure the safety of tap water in Dubai, regular maintenance of plumbing systems and water tanks is necessary, and water samples need regular testing for drinking water parameters in an Emirates International Accreditation Centre-approved laboratory.

Boiling Tap Water In Dubai: An Extra Layer Of Safety

Boiling tap water in Dubai can be a safe option if certain precautions are taken.

Some individuals may prefer an extra layer of safety when consuming tap water. Boiling tap water is one of the methods used to make it safe for drinking.

Boiling water for at least one minute can help kill any remaining bacteria or parasites that may be present. This is particularly helpful if you have sensitive health concerns or if you’re traveling with infants.

Can You Brush Your Teeth With Tap Water In Dubai?

You can brush your teeth with tap water in Dubai.

Another common query we get a lot is whether it’s safe to use tap water for brushing teeth. The answer remains the same: you can brush your teeth with tap water in Dubai without any concerns.

The water used for brushing your teeth is unlikely to pose any health risks, given the quality of Dubai’s tap water and its chlorine treatment.

Common Water Contaminants In Dubai

Dubai tap water is generally safe to drink. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Authorization defines tap water in UAE to be safe for human consumption as long as it complies with the UAE.S GSO.

With Dubai’s ground made of sand, it’s highly improbable for the water to be contaminated from the ground. The only likely common source contaminants are leeching pipes and water tanks as also talked about before.

Especially if tanks are left for a long period of time without being cleaned. In many water samples from around Dubai, arsenic was found as the main toxin and that’s why we recommend our clients to clean water tank atleast once a year.

All the DEWA water supplied to domestic and commercial developments in Dubai is thoroughly filtered. It is the water storage tanks that pose the risks of making tap water in Dubai unsafe to drink.

Water filters might make sense for permanent residents of Dubai looking to cut back on plastic water bottle waste, or those who want the extra assurance that their pipes and water tanks did not contaminate the tap water.

Iron & Plastic Leaching From Tanks

Both iron and plastic can potentially leach into tap water from tanks and pipes, although the health risks associated with each are different.

Iron Leaching

• Iron can leach into water from pipes and tanks, especially if the water has been stagnant for a long time. This can cause the water to have a metallic taste and potentially lead to aesthetic issues such as discoloration of water, dishes, laundry, and plumbing fixtures.
• While the presence of iron in drinking water is generally not harmful to health, excessive iron intake can lead to iron overload, which can cause damage to the liver, heart, and pancreas. This condition is more likely to occur in individuals with a genetic mutation that affects iron digestion, a condition known as hemochromatosis.

Plastic Leaching

• Plastic pipes and containers can potentially leach chemicals into water, especially when exposed to heat. This process, known as leaching, can occur when water comes into contact with certain materials, such as plastic pipes or containers.
• The chemicals that may leach from plastic include additives, such as plasticizers and stabilizers, which can be harmful to health in high concentrations. However, the actual health risks associated with plastic leaching are still a topic of debate, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects.
• To minimize the potential health risks of plastic leaching, it is recommended to use food-grade, BPA-free plastic containers and avoid exposing them to high temperatures, such as hot water or direct sunlight.

If you are concerned about the iron or plastic content in your tap water, you may consider testing the water and, if necessary, installing a suitable water treatment system to reduce iron levels or switch to alternative water storage methods, such as stainless steel or glass containers, to avoid potential plastic leaching.

Environmental Considerations: Drinking Tap Water Vs. Bottled Water

Drinking tap water in the UAE is safer than using plastic water bottles.

While the safety of tap water in Dubai is evident, there’s another crucial aspect to consider: the environmental impact of plastic water bottles.

The UAE, including Dubai, is committed to sustainability, and reducing plastic waste is a priority.

Opting for tap water not only ensures your safety but also contributes to a greener environment by reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bottles. It’s a responsible choice for both residents and tourists.

Conclusion: Sip Safely In The City Of Luxury

In conclusion, the safety of drinking tap water in Dubai should not be a cause for concern. Dubai’s tap water is rigorously treated with chlorine, making it safe for consumption.

Boiling tap water is an additional precautionary measure you can take if you have specific health concerns. You can also confidently use tap water for brushing your teeth.

Moreover, opting for tap water over bottled water is not only safe but also environmentally responsible. By choosing the eco-friendly route, you can contribute to the UAE’s sustainability efforts while enjoying the luxury and beauty of Dubai.

As you explore this vibrant city, rest assured that you can quench your thirst with Dubai’s tap water, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in all the wonders this remarkable destination has to offer.