My boyfriend is coming to visit from Ghana, West Africa and a friend mentioned the possibility of our water making him sick. Is this true? Should I get him bottled water? I know our water is safe, but could the extras in it upset his system?
2006-10-21 15:03:00 · 9 answers · asked by bethanyb_tx 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Get him bottled water. If he's smart, he'll already have some with him when he comes to the US.
Our water is clean for us and we are used to all of the chemicals that are in it....however, no matter how clean it is for us, it will still make your boyfriend sick.
This sickness will probably pass, but who wants to go thru that if they don't have to.
Better to be safe than sorry.
2006-10-21 15:06:43 · answer #1 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello. I admire your concern for the well-being of your boyfriend. I've spent a great deal of time in the US and in Kenya as well as in Ghana. Tap water should be fine. The same "extras" are in bottled water. There is a general misconception the bottled water is SO much better and healthier than tap. This is untrue.The difference in the water from Ghana to the US is bacterium. All water has it. However, American body systems are accustomed to the types of bacteria in US water; whereas, Ghanaian body systems are accustomed to the bacteria found in their water. Bottled water or tap water will have the same American-type bacteria which will be different from that of water from Ghana. Although it's not really necessary, if you want to feel safe, a slow introduction to our tap water would be the best. Start with 4 ounces of water every 3-4 hours. There should be no sickness. Within 48 hours, your boyfriend should be fine to have as much good old American tap water as he wants. :)
2006-10-21 22:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by Cindi Lou 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the water in ghana is bad for you. Bottled water could be best because he is used to it. the only reason i believe he wouldnt like tap water is because it would taste different. Other then that, he should be fine because our tap water is actually better then bottled water. I read somewhere where 70% of people actually like tap water better then bottled water.
2006-10-21 22:05:16 · answer #3 · answered by Nichole 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can. His system is accustomed to water from his area, or bottled water, just the same as you would most likely undergo a gastro-intestinal extravaganza drinking tap water from his area. It's just what your system is accustomed to. Purified water would be the best thing to go with, since there is nothing in it but water. Kudos to you for thinking of this very small but very important aspect of his visit.
2006-10-21 22:07:50 · answer #4 · answered by ihave5katz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be on the safe side, I would go with the bottled water.
2006-10-21 22:04:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing in our water that can make him sick, nothing!!! It is you that can get sick from drinking the water in Ghana. To read more you can go to www.epa.gov.
2006-10-21 22:11:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tap water should be fine, he may still get intestinal disruption (diahreea) but most people get some when they travel, it is the change in diet and other microbes we ingest.
2006-10-21 22:06:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be alright.
i moved from Kenya and i never got sick.
2006-10-21 22:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by Harpal C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bottled
2006-10-21 22:10:31 · answer #9 · answered by Hidden 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋