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Is it safe to drink tap water in Cozumel

Cozumel Water Delivery

How to Get Safe Water in Cozumel: A Guide for Travelers

How Do I Order Water in Cozumel, Mexico? Your Comprehensive Guide

Cozumel, Mexico, a charming island filled with azure waters and white sandy beaches, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. But, amidst the breathtaking sites and the vibrant culture, there’s an essential question that often leaves visitors puzzled and they ask two questions: 1. How do I order water in Cozumel, Mexico? & 2. Can I drink tap water in Cozumel? In this extensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about drinking water in Cozumel, ensuring your stay is not only incredible but also safe.

Understanding Drinking Water in Cozumel, Mexico

The Concern About Tap Water

While Cozumel is a paradise for vacationers, it’s essential to remember that the tap water in Cozumel may not be suitable for drinking. They do not equip Cozumel with an extensive purification system that matches Western standards. So, it’s advised to avoid drinking straight from the tap.

Is Tap Water Unsafe for everyone?

Interestingly, the locals in Cozumel also steer clear of the tap water. Because the water system only partially purifies the water, it’s deemed unsafe for consumption, even for animals. However, some buildings and homes have their filters installed, providing a safer option for drinking water.

Montezuma’s Revenge: A Common Concern

One of the most common health issues associated with drinking non-potable water in Mexico is the infamous “Montezuma’s Revenge.” This condition, also known as Traveler’s Diarrhea, arises from the body’s reaction to unfamiliar organisms in the water. Symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea. While it’s not dangerous, it can put a damper on your vacation plans.

The Safer Alternative: Bottled Water

Why Opt for Bottled Water: Given the concerns about tap water, most visitors and locals in Cozumel opt for bottled water. Not only is it a safer alternative, but it’s also accessible. Cozumel holds the record for the highest consumption of bottled water for any island globally.

Best Bottled Water Options: There’s a plethora of bottled water brands available in Mexico. However, some of the best and most trusted brands include Epura, Bonafont, and Santa Maria. These brands offer purified water that is safe to drink, leaving you free to enjoy your vacation without the worry of waterborne illnesses.

Where to Buy Bottled Water: You can purchase bottled water everywhere in Cozumel. From convenience stores like OXXO to local grocery stores, water bottles are easy to find. Many hotels offer refill services, allowing you to refill your bottles with purified water.

The Convenient Solution: Water Delivery Service

Getting Water Delivered to Your Doorstep

For those who prefer convenience, water delivery services are a fantastic option. These services deliver fresh water right to your doorstep, saving you the trouble of going to the store. Not only is this a convenient solution, but it’s cheaper than buying new bottles at convenience stores.

How to Find a Reliable Water Delivery Service

The best way to find a reliable water delivery service is to ask locals. They’ll be able to recommend the best companies in the area. A quick Google search will yield a list of businesses that service your location.

Explore Cozumel’s Exceptional Water Delivery and Recycling Scene

Cozumel, with its vibrant blend of island life and sustainability practices, boasts a remarkable water delivery and recycling culture. Among the various bottled water providers, including names like Crystal and San Andreas, the island has perfected a unique system that integrates convenience and environmental responsibility.

When you wander the charming streets of the town, the distinctive sound of a car horn may become a familiar melody throughout the day. This serves as the customary signal that one of the local water vendors is making their rounds. Residents like myself take advantage of this audible cue to flag down these water vendors when our drinking and cooking water supply runs low.

In a matter of minutes, a friendly water salesperson arrives with a replenishing delivery of fresh water, swapping out empty containers for sterilization and reuse. The cost is reasonable, with each 5-gallon jug priced at 40 pesos per replenishment (equivalent to about $2.50). This ingenious system not only ensures a constant supply of quality water but also contributes to a sustainable environment by minimizing reliance on single-use bottles.

For those who prefer the convenience of water delivered straight to their doorstep, Cozumel offers a range of water delivery services. This hassle-free option not only saves you the time and effort of frequenting stores but also proves to be more economical than purchasing individual bottles from convenience stores.

Cozumel Water Dispenser

Get a Water Dispenser in Cozumel

Now, just having water is a good start, but mastering the art of hydration in Cozumel requires a certain finesse. Enter the world of water dispensers! Picture this: you handling your drinking water like a seasoned pro. But first, you need the right dispenser, and Cozumel’s local stores offer a plethora of options to suit your needs.

The Pump: Let me introduce you to the humble plastic pump, affectionately known as “bomba” in Spanish. This simple yet effective dispenser is a common sight throughout Cozumel. Gently pull the pump, and like magic, water flows out. Remember, handle it with care, and when the garrafón is running low, a simple pour-out does the trick. I vouch for this method and it’s stood the test of time.

The Inexpensive Dispenser: For those seeking a budget-friendly solution, consider the straightforward plastic dispensers. Place the filled garrafón upside down into the dispenser, mastering the art of swift maneuvers to minimize spills. Keep it clean; it’s a skill worth acquiring. And remember regular rinsing and a monthly bleach water flush to ensure a mold-free and safe water source.

The Water Cooler: Now, for the pinnacle of hydration luxury, let me introduce you to the water cooler. Elevate your living standards with a temperature-controlled dispenser, offering the luxury of hot and cold water on demand. It’s a step below a house filtration system, making you the epitome of style in your Cozumel abode.

So, whether you opt for the trusty plastic pump, the budget-friendly dispenser, or the opulence of a water cooler, rest assured that in Cozumel, you’ll be sipping in style. Cheers to a well-hydrated adventure!

Other Safe Water Options in Cozumel

Can You Drink Iced Beverages: Yes, you can! The ice cubes used in bars, cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Cozumel are made using purified water so it’s safe to enjoy iced beverages.

What About Coffee: Coffee lovers can rejoice because they prepared coffee in Cozumel using purified water. Additionally, heating the water kills off any harmful microorganisms.

Is It Safe to Eat Salads: They typically wash salads and fruits in Cozumel with a mixture of water and other cleaning products, such as vinegar or bicarbonate. While it’s generally safe to eat salads, it’s always best to ensure they are fresh and well-washed to avoid any potential health issues.

Wrapping Up

Visiting Cozumel, Mexico, is a captivating experience that blends scenic beauty with rich cultural experiences. However, understanding the intricacies of drinking water in the region is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Remember, when in doubt, opt for bottled water or use a water delivery service. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, enjoy the enchanting allure of Cozumel with no worries!

Why Book With Us?

Book through this website, and we guarantee you’ll get the lowest price online. You’ll be dealing with us, the owners and we never charge booking fees, so you will save up to 30% of the cost over sites like Airbnb. Book our Cozumel Luxury Villas here.

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4 Simple Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Cozumel

4 Simple Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Cozumel

Protecting Your Health on Cozumel: Essential Tips to Minimize Risks

Although you can take precautions, there is no guarantee against illness in Cozumel. Even if you follow all the preventive measures, there’s still a chance of encountering health issues. Contracting dengue fever despite taking precautions serves as a reminder of this reality. By implementing the tips mentioned below, you can minimize potential risks.

Often Overlooked, Yet Essential: Simple Steps for a Healthy Stay

It’s surprising how easily overlooked simple health precautions can be. These straightforward steps, however, can have a significant impact on reducing your chances of falling ill on Cozumel. Before embarking on your much-anticipated trip, take a moment to consider your health and make adequate preparations. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Keep in mind that these are general health tips, and unforeseen circumstances can still occur. It’s crucial never to travel without comprehensive travel insurance, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Wash Your Hands

I realize this sounds basic, but remarkably, how many people neglect it. The basic act of washing your hands is a key factor in infection management.

Hand hygiene is essential to avoid the advance of infection and can reduce your chances of diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, flu, norovirus, MRSA, or even hepatitis A.

Many travelers carry small bottles of hand gel, and these are good as a backup, but they aren’t a replacement for good old soap and water. Wherever possible, wash your hands under hot water for at least thirty seconds before and after eating and always after going to the lavatory.

Drink Bottled Water

When you can’t be sure of the purity of the local water, then you should avoid the local tap water. Even if locals drink it with no problems, your stomach may not have the right bacteria to protect you from becoming ill.

Protect Yourself Against the Sun

Sunburn can seriously ruin a good travel experience! I became badly sunburned years ago in Florida after snorkeling for too long and neglecting to reapply suntan lotion. It is not an event I wish to repeat! Current recommendations on sun protection claim that you should use a minimum of SPF 30 or higher.

Protecting yourself from the sun goes beyond getting a bad sunburn, though. You should also stay well hydrated in Cozumel and cover up with loose clothing and even a hat or scarf. If you don’t, then dehydration can set in quickly, and that can lead to more serious conditions such as exposure, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which if left unattended can become a medical emergency. It happens a lot more easily than many people think so be sensible, use sunscreen, cover-up, and stay hydrated.

Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are an absolute horror for any traveler. They will trouble you with severe and itchy welts, but at worst they can transmit a whole variety of diseases, such as dengue, and chikungunya.

Here in Cozumel, it is still a good idea to prevent mosquitoes from biting you in the first place, even if it is only to avoid the annoyance of painful bites. It should go without saying that the best thing you can do to protect yourself from being bitten is to use preventive measures:

a. Air-conditioned rooms are great for minimizing mosquito bites, as they are usually better sealed and less likely to let them in.
b. Cover up. Wearing proper attire is essential. Wear lightweight, loose cotton clothing that covers most of your skin, especially around peak exposure times and places, for example, near bodies of water or at twilight or after dark, the peak time for dengue-carrying mosquitoes to feed.
c. Sleep under permethrin-coated nets where necessary.
d. Always apply a good dose of 30–50% DEET spray and reapply it regularly. Some people prefer more natural alternatives, but these are usually clinically proven to have no effects on mosquitoes.

Why Book With Us?

Book through this website, and we guarantee you will get the lowest price online. You will interact directly with us, the owners, and we never charge booking fees, so you will save up to 30% of the cost compared to sites like Airbnb. Book our Couples’ Accommodation in Cozumel here.

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