
Because fake news seems to be everywhere we look these days, you may wonder whether you can believe the news coming out of your next vacation destination about the water supply and whether it’s safe and potable.
You’re right to worry if you’re heading to many nations throughout Central America, and Belize is no exception. You can drink tap water in Belize City and San Ignacio so if either of these happens to be your destination, it’s still wise to check with hotel or resort staff just to make sure.
Facts you should know about water in Belize
•Many places you’ll visit get their water from rain cisterns which are fitted with filters so water may be drinkable, but it’s always best to ask.
•Water supplies tend to be suitable for teeth brushing, fruit washing, and hot beverage making, according to residents of popular destinations like Ambergris Caye, home to a desalination plant.
•If cold drinks are your favorites, ice cubes are usually safe, but always ask your host for peace of mind.
•Do you intend to prepare your own meals? Remember that contamination risk is ever-present so be cautious even if you wash items.
•Hotels and resorts are doubly careful when it comes to valued guests. They will provide your drinking water throughout your stay so count on it.
•If your stomach has always given you problems when you travel or your health isn’t the best, sticking to bottled water will make you feel more confident and safer.
•Ask ex-pats about their water in Belize! Americans are not shy, and they’ll give you inside tips about water conditions that you can rely upon.
•On the topic of confidence, villages, and towns throughout the nation purify their water with chlorine, so that safety measures should offer a measure of reassurance.
Where does the water originate in Belize?
Around 90% of all water pumped through systems is groundwater according to scientists keeping tabs on the nation’s water conditions. If you’re out and about in rural areas, precautions are urged because hand pumps are the most-often used ways to cull water from beneath the ground. Are plans in the works to upgrade and improve systems throughout the country? You bet.
Projects like the one launched by Stutzman Services in the U.S. are bringing water technology and expertise to Belize that is designed to improve the condition of drinking water. This is especially important to folks in the Santa Familia area as their rudimentary water treatment system was destroyed by a flood. Folks involved in the restoration didn’t have an easy time of it, but unsuccessful drilling attempts did not deter the crew.
By the time they finished phase one, drinking water was being pumped from the river and funneled through a pre-filtration system, holding tank and treatment system. This ongoing project will further improve water in the area once the new 7,000-gallon holding tank is finally completed. Further, residents are being trained to troubleshoot and make repairs on their system so they can help maintain and test to keep things running.