Drinking Water in Sharm

Horus · #1 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 10:30 AM

Hi

Although I have been to Egypt 5 times I have always been told do not drink the water; is it actually safe to do so in Sharm?

We boiled it etc for hibiscus tea and had no problems

I will be watering house plants with bottled water - the only thing is I have NEVER EVER seen potting soil like you get in the UK, is it something that you can get? In fact I have never seen house plants in Egypt either!!

My streptocarpus are quite dear to me and they need something either peat or coir based...

Whiskey96 · #2 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horus

Hi

Although I have been to Egypt 5 times I have always been told do not drink the water; is it actually safe to do so in Sharm?

We boiled it etc for hibiscus tea and had no problems

I will be watering house plants with bottled water - the only thing is I have NEVER EVER seen potting soil like you get in the UK, is it something that you can get? In fact I have never seen house plants in Egypt either!!

My streptocarpus are quite dear to me and they need something either peat or coir based...

Hey Horus,
The water is safe to drink here, because they put soooooo much chlorine in it - no bugs could survive in that..!!!..

The only problem you might find is with the taste....

Potting compost you CAN find, but you need to look around - sometimes in some of the plant shops, or maybe Carrefour.... that's where I got mine.....

Horus · #3 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 11:39 AM

Hey thanks that cheers me up

As for the chlorine I suppose it can dissipate if I leave it standing in a bucket for the plants however might contain salts but mineral water is quite alkaline and could also cause plant problems

If not I will have to get cactus or succulents I suppose

I get through about 3 to 4 litres of water per day for drinking

Sam · #4 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 03:04 PM

I personally do not consider the water in Sharm safe to drink. For me I would brush my teeth with it, wash vegetables or fruits etc but I would NEVER use it for drinking, not even if you boil it. The bottled water is cheap enough, not point in risking it.

JonnyW · #5 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

I personally do not consider the water in Sharm safe to drink. For me I would brush my teeth with it, wash vegetables or fruits etc but I would NEVER use it for drinking, not even if you boil it. The bottled water is cheap enough, not point in risking it.

I definately would not drink the water here as all my family have had bad stomachs at one time or another.

I've had a water filter fitted in the kitchen for less than 2000le. It now means we don't have to buy bottled water every other day. We were getting through 12ltrs a day and it soon adds up. Also would be perfect for your Plants.

As for potting compost there a 2 flourists near the old market that sell the stuff you need as well as a nice selction of plants.

Whiskey96 · #6 (**permalink**) 27th October 2010, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyW

I definately would not drink the water here as all my family have had bad stomachs at one time or another.

I've had a water filter fitted in the kitchen for less than 2000le. It now means we don't have to buy bottled water every other day. We were getting through 12ltrs a day and it soon adds up. Also would be perfect for your Plants.

As for potting compost there a 2 flourists near the old market that sell the stuff you need as well as a nice selction of plants.

WOW...!!! 2000LE...?? You will find perfectly adequate filters for 200LE or less... all you need to take out are the solids.... microscopic particles....
If you are paying any more than 200, you are paying through the nose....

As for bad stomachs, they probably came from the salads in your McDonalds burger....~!!...

JonnyW · #7 (**permalink**) 28th October 2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whiskey96

WOW...!!! 2000LE...?? You will find perfectly adequate filters for 200LE or less... all you need to take out are the solids.... microscopic particles....
If you are paying any more than 200, you are paying through the nose....

As for bad stomachs, they probably came from the salads in your McDonalds burger....~!!...

It is a restaurant quality filter with 6 stages of filtration including UV. so think the price is more than fair - thanks

I have my 84 year old father living with me so want to make sure the water is 100% pure.

We almost always cook at home so can't put it down to eating out.

The water here is very bad - all my sinks, baths and toilets have an orange glow to them thanks to the water - not something I'd put in my stomach. They may put lots of chlorhine in the water but that doesn't help against the fact that many of the main water pipes in sharm are cracked or rusty so contamination happens after it leaves the water station.

Whiskey96 · #8 (**permalink**) 28th October 2010, 07:54 PM

OK Jonny - Gotcha... I was talking about Cairo.....

samertalat · #9 (**permalink**) 29th October 2010, 07:12 PM

I never ever drank but bottled water , Even here in Lebanon I do drink only Bottled water .
I wonder if they have any Evian (French Water) Not sure if I spelled it right ? Or any other good bottled water .
As per Hours I suggest that you bring with you a whole ship from the UK before you move so you will be safe.
And don't ever use anything from the pharmacy but genuine products, Always cheap medications where you think that you get a deal are fake.
Please let me know anyone who lives there about bottled water /
Maybe will import from Lebanon to Egypt , Although Lebanon has a lots of water but expensive to buy .

MaidenScotland · #10 (**permalink**) 29th October 2010, 07:17 PM

Yes there is bottled water... but honestly I will say it again.... come out and visit