If you are a Dubai newbie or have lived here for years, this question still gets asked…
Can I drink the tap water in Dubai?
We have all been in the situation where you have reached home after a long day or woken up the morning after, and you have run out of bottled water.
It is the worst feeling.
You are having a conversation in your mind:
- How quickly can InstaShop deliver?
- Will I be quicker going to the shop myself… but can I be bothered to change?
- Could I ask my neighbors? Have I even met my neighbors?
But you conclude that you do not want to wait. So instead, you head for the tap, one glass won’t hurt. Later in the day, you start to question yourself. So you turn to your trusty source, Google, and ask; Can I drink the tap water in Dubai? We have all been there!
So… Let’s get straight to the point.
The answer is…Yes and No… Sorry, I guess the answer wasn’t so straight to the point!
Allow me to explain.
The Answer is Yes.
We all know that Dubai prides itself on being the best of the best. The tallest buildings, biggest shopping malls, longest indoor ski slopes (like that was even a thing), and the largest fish tank in a mall (of course)!
So, it is no surprise that Dubai also has one of the best Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) systems in the World providing quality water to its residents. Other countries come to the UAE to learn about the SWRO systems that have been set in place throughout the region.
The UAE continues to reinvest into SWRO systems such as the new 871 million AED SWRO plant which is due to open shortly in Jebal Ali.
When water leaves the DEWA SWRO plant to reach our homes, it is 100% perfectly safe to drink, shower in, and do whatever you want in… wash the cat even!
However, this is where the No part of my answer comes in. It is the water’s journey from the DEWA SWRO plant to your tap that is the problem.
Let me explain a little further.
The Answer is No.
The desalinated water has left the DEWA SWRO plant and has now begun its journey to your home.
Any contamination that occurs during the water’s journey is through the pipework and water tanks that it has been in contact with.
I’m sure we have all witnessed some dodgy pipework in Dubai.
In addition to the pipework and water tanks, certain chemicals (mainly Chlorine) are pumped into the water at various stages to ensure that the pipes and water tanks remain clean. This is an important process and is necessary to eliminate any harmful bacteria, however, Chlorine is NOT intended for human consumption.
Hence it is best to remove all the chemicals and contamination before the water flows through your kitchen tap, enabling it for safe drinking.
So, what is the solution I hear you ask?
Simple. Install a Water Filter.
By installing a Water Filter, you will be removing all the “bad stuff” that the water has picked up along its journey to your home.
Many residents have installed an additional Reverse Osmosis (RO) system into their homes. However, this really isn’t necessary because:
- They are big, bulky, and pricey.
- Many require an additional tap to be installed. Good luck asking your landlord for permission!
- The RO systems use a lot of energy and waste A LOT of water. Hello increased DEWA bills!
- They de-mineralise the water, which means you then must re-mineralise.
- The water has already been through an intense Reverse Osmosis process, so why the need to do it again? You don’t double-dip, so don’t double RO.
A better alternative is a compact Sediment and Carbon Block Water Filter system, such as the Tappie Drinking Water Filter because:
- No drilling or extra tap is required.
- No Landlords permission is needed.
- No unnecessary energy or water wastage.
- No running out of clean, purified water.
- Plus it’s SOOO much cheaper than bottled water!
So are you ready to wake up in the morning with no regrets because you never have to experience “the fear” of having no water again?
Love,
Jessica
Tappie Team Member