Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in The Gambia?
Water is something we all need every day. For anyone thinking about traveling to The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, you will very likely wonder about the tap water there. Can you drink it safely or is it better to avoid it? It’s a question that matters because clean water keeps us healthy. This article aims to answer all the possible questions you might have about tap water in The Gambia. Let’s get right to it.
What is The Gambia Like?
The Gambia is a small country surrounded by Senegal, except the border where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. A big river, called the Gambia River, flows through it. Many people visit because of the beaches, birds, and markets. The country is known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa” because the people are kind. When you’re there, you sure will need water to drink, as with anywhere else in the world, especially in the hot sun. But is the tap water okay to use?
Where Does Tap Water Come From?
In The Gambia, tap water comes from different places. Some of it is pulled from deep underground using boreholes, while other water comes from the Gambia River or is kept in large tanks. A company called NAWEC (National Water & Electricity Company) works to send water to homes, hotels, schools, etc. Though they try their best, the water isn’t always clean when it gets to the tap.
Is Tap Water Clean Enough to Drink?
Is the tap water safe? Experts, like those from the CDC, say it’s usually not safe to drink straight from the tap. They warn that tiny germs or dirt might be in the water. These things are too small to see, but they can wreak havoc on one’s health. Cholera, diarrhea, typhoid fever, and so on, become the order of the day.
You can turn on the tap and the water looks clear, but it doesn’t guarantee its safety for consumption. According to UNICEF, in The Gambia, 90% of households have access to safe drinking water and 60% of the population has access to improved sanitation. Unfortunately, only 31% of households have a handwashing facility, and 73% of households are at risk of Escherichia coli (E. coli) fecal contamination. These are all indicators of the poor water quality in The Gambia.
Why Does Water Get Dirty?
How does water become unclean? There are a few reasons. First, the pipes that carry water can be old or broken. If they crack, dirt or germs from the ground mix in. Second, some people dig wells near their homes. If these wells are close to toilets or trash, the water gets dirty. Third, the Gambia River can have pollution from farms, towns, or boats, making the water risky.
In cities like Banjul or Bakau, tap water might be a little cleaner because it’s checked sometimes. In villages, however, water often comes from tanks or shallow wells, which are harder to keep clean. When it rains a lot, water can get even dirtier because mud washes into it. These problems make clean tap water a challenge.
What Do People Say About Tap Water?
What do people who’ve been to The Gambia think? Looking at what travelers say online, some claimed, “I used tap water to brush my teeth and didn’t get sick.” Others wrote, “I drank it once and felt bad after.” Some locals drink it every day and say it’s fine for them, but most visitors don’t take the chance – they use bottled water instead.
Locals have ways to handle the water. Some boil it to kill germs, while others buy water in bottles or plastic bags from stores. People find solutions, but many don’t trust the tap water completely.
Can You Make Tap Water Safe?
There are ways to make tap water safe to drink. Here are some simple ideas:
- Boil It: Heat the water until it bubbles for one minute. This kills most germs.
- Filter It: Use a water filter to catch dirt and germs. You can buy one or bring it with you.
- Add Tablets: Put a water-purifying tablet in your cup. Wait 30 minutes, and the water gets clean.
- Buy Bottled Water: This is an easy choice. Bottled water is sold all over The Gambia.
Boiling works well if you’re cooking or camping, while filters are good for longer stays. Tablets are handy for travel, and bottled water is the fastest option – just make sure the bottle’s seal is tight so it’s guaranteed to be clean.
What Happens If You Drink Bad Water?
If you drink unclean tap water or another source of drinking water that is unclean, you may very likely come down with an illness. Your stomach could hurt, and you might need to use the bathroom a lot.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks. This can be harder for kids or older people, so it’s important to be careful.
Most of the time, feeling sick only lasts a few days – could be a day or two. But if you’re visiting, you don’t want to spend your trip unwell. Using safe water helps you avoid this problem and enjoy your time.
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
Should you use tap water or bottled water? Bottled water is cleaner because companies check it and seal it. But sometimes, bottled water is just tap water that has been cleaned a bit more. Also, plastic bottles can pile up as trash, which isn’t good for the earth.
Tap water costs less and doesn’t make waste, but you have to clean it yourself. If you live in The Gambia, boiling or filtering tap water could save money over time. For a short trip, bottled water is easier and safer. It’s up to you which one you pick.
How Are They Fixing the Water Problem?
People in The Gambia are working to make water better. The government is teaming up with groups like UNICEF to fix things. They’re repairing old pipes so leaks don’t let dirt in and digging new wells that are farther from dirty places. In some areas, they test the water to make sure it’s getting cleaner.
Villages are getting help too. For instance, well meaning not-for-profit charities like Aqua Maya are swinging into action to ensure local communities are not left out. Some villages now have access to clean water through big communal taps, where everyone can get water together. These taps are built to keep the water safe. It takes time and money, but they’re making progress. Cleaner water means fewer people get sick, which is a big goal.
Fun Ways Water Shapes Life There
Water isn’t just for drinking in The Gambia – it’s part of life. The Gambia River helps people in many ways. Fishermen catch fish from it to eat or sell and farmers use water to grow crops like peanuts and rice, which feed families. In some villages, kids carry water in buckets on their heads to bring it home, which is fun for them as long as they’re not walking long distances to go fetch that water.
The river is also special for celebrations. During festivals, people gather near it to sing or pray. Water connects everyone, from daily chores to big events. Even though tap water has problems, the river shows how important water is to the country.
More About Staying Healthy with Water
Staying healthy in The Gambia means thinking about water all the time. If you’re traveling, bring a bottle or a filter so you’re ready. Wash your hands with clean water before eating because germs can spread that way too. If you’re cooking, make sure the water is safe for cooking.
Hotels might say their tap water is fine, but it’s smart to check. Ask locals what they do, because they know best. Keeping water clean isn’t just about drinking – it’s about everything you do. A little planning keeps you strong and ready to explore.
Why Clean Water Matters Everywhere
This isn’t just a Gambia thing – clean water matters all over the world. When water isn’t safe, people get sick, which forces kids to miss school and leaves workers unable to work. In The Gambia, dirty water causes problems, like diarrhea, every year. Fixing this helps everyone live better lives.
Countries like The Gambia are working hard, but they need support. Aqua Maya has risen to the occasion, and so have some other non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We can help too, by supporting these NGOs with monetary donations and offering voluntary services where we can. It’s a big job, and every step makes a difference.
What’s the Final Answer?
So, is it safe to drink tap water in The Gambia? Most experts say no, not right from the tap, as it might have germs that make you sick even if it looks okay. To be safe, boil it, filter it, or use bottled water. Many people do this every day, and it keeps them well.
The Gambia is a wonderful place with so much to see: beaches, rivers, and kind people. You don’t want water to ruin your trip. By using clean water, you can enjoy everything without worry.
What do you think? Would you try the tap water, or stick to something safer? Either way, stay healthy and have a great time!
Sources
1. https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html
2. https://www.unicef.org/gambia/water-sanitation-and-hygiene
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water
