Traveling may be synonymous with rest and fun, but there is a seemingly harmless gesture that can ruin the experience: drinking water from the hotel bathroom tap. Health and accommodation experts make the warning clear, and the reason may surprise many travelers.
During the summer, thousands of Portuguese families leave for destinations around the world. Most seek to stay hydrated, especially in warmer climates. However, according to Brian Toward, CEO of the British company Wholesale Domestic, specializing in bathroom products, there are risks hidden in something as simple as filling a glass in the bedroom bathroom.
“If you are staying in a hotel, it is a good idea to avoid drinking from the bathroom tap, if possible,” advises the official, quoted by the British newspaper Express. “It may be tempting, especially if there is no other tap in the room, but it is preferable to buy some water bottles during the stay, especially if the hotel is old and still has lead pipes.”
Old tubes and roof deposits
According to Brian, many hotels use old channeling systems where water quality may not be comparable to those normally at home. In some cases, buildings maintain lead pipes, whose deterioration poses risks to health, especially when water remains stagnant for long periods.
Another concern factor is the water tanks located in high areas of buildings, such as roofs or attics. These deposits are responsible for supplying the rooms, but may be a source of contamination if not properly cleaned and verified.
Stopped water can accumulate bacteria and metals
The warning becomes more serious when water is known in these tanks, if not renewed frequently, can accumulate limestone, bacteria and even debris from the deposit itself. Brian Toward states that “the less often the water is renewed, the more likely to contaminate with lead and other harmful metals.”
These recommendations apply mainly to older hotels, which have not yet modernized their channeling systems. In such cases, drinking water directly from the bathroom can pose an unnecessary risk, especially for more vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly or those who have the immune system weakened.
Water bottles: the safest option
Even if it is in a country with high water quality from the public network, the internal system of a hotel can change its composition. Therefore, the expert’s recommendation is clear: always opt for bottled water, especially when the only available tap is the bathroom.
According to this, this simple measure can avoid problems such as stomach pain, infections or other symptoms caused by contaminated water. Also, at a time when health care are increasingly important, it is worth following the advice of those who know the backstage of tourist accommodation.
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