Belize's Water: Is It Safe To Drink?

Belize is a popular tourist destination, and one of the most important things to do while travelling is to stay hydrated. However, drinking water in a foreign country can be a cause for concern. So, is the water in Belize safe to drink?

The answer is... it depends.

Tap water in major cities

Tap water in Belize is treated with chlorine to kill harmful pathogens and bacteria, making it potable in most parts of the country. However, it is always a good idea to check with hotel staff or locals about the water quality in your specific area.

In major cities like Belize City and San Ignacio, tap water is generally safe to drink. However, some residents and tourists choose not to drink it due to its taste and high mineral content, opting for bottled water or purification systems instead.

Tap water in Belize is suitable for various purposes, such as brushing teeth, cooking, rinsing food, and making hot beverages. It is also generally safe to use for ice cubes, but it is always recommended to ask your host or accommodation provider to be sure.

If you are preparing your own meals, it is important to be cautious about contamination risks, even when washing fruits and vegetables. While the majority of villages and towns in Belize have potable water systems, there are still some areas, especially in rural regions, small cayes, and along the coast, where the water may not be safe to drink directly from the tap.

Hotels and resorts are typically very cautious about the water they provide to guests, and they often offer purified drinking water during your stay. If you have a sensitive stomach or health concerns, it is advisable to stick to bottled or purified water as a precautionary measure.

Additionally, it is recommended to follow general health and safety guidelines, such as washing your hands frequently, carrying hand sanitiser, and being cautious about consuming street food.

Tap water in towns and villages

The safety of tap water in Belize depends on the location. While tap water in major cities like Belize City is generally treated and safe to drink, it is recommended to take precautions such as boiling or filtering the water, especially in smaller towns and villages.

In Belize's smaller towns and villages, the water supply may come from untreated sources such as wells or rainwater tanks. In such cases, it is advised to avoid drinking the tap water and opt for bottled water instead. Hotels and resorts in these areas usually provide guests with safe drinking water, which can be refilled from water coolers or bought from convenience stores.

Even in urban areas, many visitors choose not to drink tap water due to safety concerns or the taste of chlorine used for treatment. Bottled water is readily available and can be purchased cheaply.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to boil tap water for at least one minute or use certified water filters or purification tablets. Showering with tap water is generally considered safe, but it is advised to avoid swallowing the water, especially for those with sensitive skin. For brushing teeth, it is recommended to use bottled or boiled water.

Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) is responsible for treating and distributing water throughout the country, using a combination of surface water and groundwater sources. While they aim to remove contaminants through sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, aging infrastructure and occasional heavy rainfall can impact water quality.

Overall, while tap water in Belize's towns and villages may be potable, taking precautionary measures or opting for bottled water is advised to ensure health and safety.

Bottled water

While tap water in major cities like Belize City and San Ignacio is treated and considered safe to drink, many visitors opt not to drink it due to safety concerns or because they dislike the taste of chlorine. As such, drinking bottled water is the safest and most popular option for tourists.

If you are staying in a town or village, the water supply may come from untreated sources like wells or rainwater tanks, so it is recommended to stick to bottled water or another safe source of drinking water.

Treating rainwater

Rainwater is not safe to drink without treatment. It can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick. Therefore, if you are collecting rainwater for drinking, it is important to ensure that it is treated appropriately. Here are some methods to treat rainwater and make it safe for consumption:

Filtration

Filtration is a crucial step in treating rainwater. It helps remove debris, sediments, and large particles such as twigs, leaves, and sand. Using a mesh screen or a sediment filter can help eliminate these larger contaminants. Additionally, activated carbon filters can eliminate odours and colours, while PP filter cartridges can remove larger suspended particles. For more precise filtration, microfiltration or ultrafiltration systems can be employed.

Disinfection

Due to the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in rainwater, disinfection is necessary. Two recommended methods for disinfection are ultraviolet (UV) sterilization and chlorination. UV sterilization uses high-energy UV rays to destroy the DNA structure of microorganisms, preventing them from replicating and causing their demise. Chlorination, on the other hand, treats rainwater by killing some germs but does not remove chemicals or toxins.

Advanced Filtration

Even after filtration and disinfection, rainwater may not be potable. Advanced filtration methods, such as nanofiltration or reverse osmosis, are required to remove soluble salts, small microorganisms, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. Nanofiltration has a filtration accuracy of 0.01 microns and can elevate water quality to drinking standards, especially if the initial rainwater quality is high. Reverse osmosis, on the other hand, has a filtration accuracy ranging from 0.1 nanometres to several nanometres and can effectively remove most heavy metals, salts, residual chemicals, and microorganisms.

Distillation

Distillation is another method to treat rainwater. It involves heating rainwater to its boiling point, collecting the water vapour, and then condensing it back into water. While distillation effectively removes impurities, it is a complex and costly process that consumes a large amount of energy, making it unsuitable for treating large volumes of water.

Boiling

Boiling rainwater can kill most microorganisms. However, it does not remove chemicals, dust particles, and elemental contaminants. Additionally, boiling can result in water loss due to steam, leading to a higher concentration of contaminants. Therefore, boiling should be combined with other treatment methods to ensure safe drinking water.

Precautionary Measures

When collecting rainwater, it is important to maintain and regularly clean the rainwater system, including the roof drainage system, sedimentation tank, and water storage tank. It is also crucial to test the rainwater quality to ensure it meets drinking water standards in your area. Consult with experts and local authorities to understand the regulations and guidelines governing rainwater harvesting in your region.

Food-borne illnesses

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination and food-borne illnesses. This includes a set of routines that should be followed to avoid potential health hazards. For example, food can transmit diseases and serve as a growth medium for bacteria that cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent contamination, separate raw and cooked foods, cook and store food at the appropriate temperatures, and use safe water and materials.

In Belize, food safety may be a concern, especially in less developed areas or when consuming street food. Some sources suggest that food and water safety in Belize is generally adequate, while others recommend taking extra precautions. It is always advisable to follow basic food safety guidelines and stay informed about the latest recommendations from health authorities.

• Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
• Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, especially street food.
• Peel fruits and vegetables yourself or ensure they are properly washed and prepared.
• Be cautious when consuming salads or raw vegetables, as they may have been washed with contaminated water.
• Choose well-cooked hot foods and avoid dishes that have been left at room temperature for extended periods.
• Opt for bottled water or purified water for drinking and toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Follow recommended vaccination guidelines and ensure your routine vaccines are up to date before travelling.
• Consult a healthcare professional or seek medical advice if you have any specific concerns or underlying health conditions.

By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses and enjoy your time in Belize.

Frequently asked questions