Are non-Americans advised not to drink the water in the US?

Question

I live in the US, and everytime I travel abroad, I'm advised not to drink the water where I plan to visit, even that of countries that are clearly industrialized. I wanted to know if the same attitude exists when foreigners travel to the US.

I just found it funny that people tell me not to drink the water in industrialized countries, so I was wondering if anybody else had the same attitude about our own water. That's all.

Answer 1

I'm Canadian and love visiting the US. Nothing personal, but I gave up drinking you tap water a long time ago. It is usually pretty disgusting. The larger the city and the hotter the place, the worse it is. I stick to bottle water on most of my travels anywhere.

Answer 2

Not to us. We've traveled in the US, nobody told us not to drink the water (from the tap) there. Why should they? Who is telling you not to drink the water from the tap in, let's say: European countries. We've also traveled in Central and South American countries and it's better not to drink the water from the tap there. Sometimes it is just not possible, sometimes its chlorined and not tasty, but there is no problem drinking from the tap in European countries. Have your 'advisors' ever been in the countries you tell them you are to visit?

Answer 3

There are different types of bacteria and microorganisms in the water in different places, even here in the US. Most places are safe. You may end up with some stomach cramps but it really won't be that bad and only last a few hours. When in doubt, put lots of alcohol in with the ice cubes!

Answer 4

nope you are not told not to drink the water (i'm an immigrant). you can drink the tap water in industrialized countries but the taste may be different and that can be off-putting (and vice versa when coming to America).