Is it safe to drink tap water?

As we all know, hygiene and cleanliness in the kitchen are essential for maintaining good health, as cross-contamination, the freshness of ingredients, and even the cleanliness of the refrigerator play an important role. However, our health goes much further, as it also depends on many other factors, among which the water we drink daily stands out. For many years, it has been said that water in Mexico is not the cleanest or drinkable, which is why a large part of the population prefers to consume bottled or jar water, as it goes through a process to make it much safer for human consumption. However, at Kiwilimon, we set out to investigate to know the truth behind the myth: Is it safe to drink tap water? You can also read: How to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchenHow safe is drinking water? Various media, experts, and authorities have expressed opinions on the subject, as it is quite controversial and opinions vary. On one hand, the Human Rights Program of Mexico City indicates that most people in Mexico City, and in the country, do not drink tap water. In fact, the Inter-American Development Bank indicates that, in the country, 81% of respondents stated they drink bottled water. In this same publication, the authorities of the capital explain that after bottled or jar water, city residents prefer to boil tap water, while only 4.58% drink water directly from the tap. Finally, just 4.37% of the population install filters in their homes. It is worth noting that in Mexico City, distrust towards drinking water began, or increased, after the earthquake of 1985, as many pipes were damaged. This also encouraged the population to consume sugary drinks and sodas. You can also read: How to easily disinfect the kitchen spongeIs it safe to drink tap water in Mexico City? Now that you know why many people prefer not to drink tap water, let's get to the main topic: is it safe to drink tap water in Mexico City? According to the portal Expansión Política, “when you turn on the tap in any home in Mexico City, the water that comes out is considered drinkable; that is, suitable for human use and consumption.” Despite this, consuming this type of water is not the most recommended, as the quality of the water varies between municipalities and neighborhoods. Additionally, this medium cites a study conducted by UNAM, which warns of the presence of heavy metals in 107 wells from different parts of the city, resulting in greater vulnerability regarding water quality in the delegations Iztapalapa, Tláhuac, Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and a lesser degree in Milpa Alta and Azcapotzalco. Moreover, there have also been reports of evidence of Arsenic, Boron, and Lead in the analyzed wells of cluster 3, which supply the south in municipalities such as Xochimilco, Tlalpan, and Milpa Alta. Likewise, Expansión Política references a study carried out in 2018 by the Institute of Ecology (INEC) of UNAM and the Economic and Social Council of Mexico City, which mentions that Ammoniacal Nitrogen is an indicator of contamination caused by human and animal waste; in this case, it reflects a possible cross-contamination between sewer pipes and the clean water distribution network. The company Rotoplas emphasizes that drinking water travels through several kilometers of pipes, meaning it can become contaminated or filled with impurities during the journey. Additionally, another factor that contributes to water quality is the condition of the water tank, as it is common that it is not maintained or cleaned every six months. Finally, we must also consider the possible disadvantages of drinking tap water, which include stomach diseases, the likely presence of bacteria such as E.coli or salmonella, as well as the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. Therefore, it is most likely that drinking tap water is not the best option in the city, but this will depend on the water quality in your municipality or neighborhood. Also, when considering the factors and the pros and cons, it seems that the safest option is to install a water filter or buy bottled water. It would be best to consult local authorities.