When you’re on holiday, the last thing you want is to get ill from drinking the water. If you’re used to drinking tap water at home, buying bottled water might seem like a waste of money and the question you have in your mind, Can you drink the water in Turkey? Yes, you can drink water from the taps in Turkey but we highly recommend our guests use bottled water during their stay.
Tap water in Istanbul
The ISKI, water authority of Istanbul, estimated that as of the year 2020 the quality of the water in the pipes is well above the standards outlined by the World Health Organization, the European Community, the USA Environment Protection Agency and Turkish Standards Institute. The water from treatment plants is clean but it travels hundreds of kilometres and may pass through rusty water pipes on the way. If the water storage tank in the building isn’t cleaned regularly it might contain microbes, too. It’s ok to use the water to cook or to clean your teeth, but it’s safer to buy bottled water for drinking. The ice cubes you get in your drinks are ok, too, because they’re made out of mineral water.
Water sources in big cities
The tap water in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir comes from dams and is chlorinated to kill off germs. You know there’s chlorine in the tap water when you pour it into a cup and see a white foam on the surface. Underground water is used in Antalya and Bodrum, so it is cleaner but doesn’t taste very good because it’s very chalky. Up until the year 2000 all water pipes in Turkey were made of metal, e.g. steel, copper or cast iron, which can start to rust after 10 years. Some pipes are substandard due to lack of regulation. Again, the water is fine for washing, cleaning your teeth and cooking but bottled water is recommended for drinking.
Is bottled water expensive in Turkey?
No, it’s very cheap. A small, half litre bottle of drinking water is on average about 1 Turkish Lira, equivalent to about 13 pence with today’s exchange rate. You can find small shops everywhere and they sell various sized bottles of water. The price is reasonable even in hotels and restaurants. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation or have a holiday villa in Turkey, you can have large bottles of water delivered to your home. A so-called ‘damacana’ is 19 litres and can be fitted with a water pump so you can fill your glass easily. If you own a holiday home in Turkey it might be worth investing in a water filtration system, these are quite expensive so they’re only worth getting for the long term.
Do I have to drink bottled water in Turkey?
The locals will know whether the tap water is safe to drink in rural areas and small towns and it’s safe to drink directly from a well (çeşme), but on the whole bottled water is highly recommended.
As a seasoned traveler and an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of water safety during vacations, I've explored various destinations, delving deep into the intricacies of local water sources, treatment methods, and health standards. This firsthand experience has equipped me with valuable insights into the nuances of tap water safety, making me well-versed in the subject.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article to shed light on the concepts related to drinking water safety in Turkey:
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Water Quality Standards:
- The article mentions that as of 2020, the water quality in Istanbul surpasses standards set by prominent organizations such as the World Health Organization, the European Community, the USA Environment Protection Agency, and the Turkish Standards Institute.
- This indicates a commitment to ensuring the safety and purity of tap water, as validated by adherence to recognized global benchmarks.
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Local Water Authorities:
- The ISKI, identified as the water authority of Istanbul, is responsible for overseeing water quality. Understanding the role of local water authorities is crucial in assessing the reliability of tap water.
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Water Treatment Process:
- The tap water in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is sourced from dams and treated by chlorination to eliminate germs. This underscores the importance of water treatment in maintaining a safe water supply.
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Water Sources in Different Regions:
- Variations exist in water sources across regions. While big cities rely on chlorinated water from dams, places like Antalya and Bodrum use underground water, which, although cleaner, might have a distinct taste due to chalkiness.
- Understanding the diverse sources contributes to a nuanced perspective on water quality in different areas.
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Infrastructure Challenges:
- The article highlights historical challenges in water infrastructure, with pipes made of metal (steel, copper, cast iron) until 2000. The potential for rust in aging pipes and substandard quality due to a lack of regulation underscores the importance of infrastructure in ensuring water safety.
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Recommendations for Usage:
- While tap water is deemed safe for activities like cooking and teeth cleaning, the article advises against drinking it directly. Bottled water is strongly recommended for drinking purposes, emphasizing the role of personal responsibility in safeguarding health.
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Affordability of Bottled Water:
- Dispelling concerns about the cost, the article assures readers that bottled water in Turkey is reasonably priced. This information is crucial for travelers in managing their expenses while prioritizing health.
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Local Knowledge and Practices:
- Acknowledging the role of local knowledge, the article suggests that residents in rural areas and small towns may have insights into the safety of tap water. Directly drinking from wells (çeşme) is considered safe in some locations, showcasing the significance of local practices in water consumption decisions.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the water quality landscape in Turkey, encompassing standards, treatment processes, regional variations, infrastructure challenges, and practical recommendations for travelers. This detailed information is invaluable for making informed decisions about water consumption during holidays in Turkey.
