Sachin Walls
With strict restrictions on liquids that can be taken through airport security, travellers are often forced to buy expensive bottled water once they're airside. However, some travellers suggest taking an empty reusable water bottle through security and filling it up at a fountain, cafe, or bar, or from the tap in the bathroom. While this can save money and reduce plastic waste, it raises the question: is airport water safe to drink?
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What You'll Learn
Filling up an empty water bottle at airport bathrooms
First, check if the airport has drinking fountains or water bottle refilling stations, which are often located near food courts or outside bathrooms. These are a much safer option for filling up your water bottle. Some airports even have laws or expectations that vendors provide free water after security, so take advantage of this if it's available.
If you must fill up your water bottle in an airport bathroom, look for signs or warnings indicating whether the water is potable. Be cautious of airports that recycle and treat water used in restrooms, as this water may not be safe for drinking. In some cases, the water may be chemically treated grey water, which could potentially be harmful.
Another option is to bring your own refillable water bottle and fill it up before arriving at the airport. Make sure to drink the entire contents before going through security and place the empty bottle and lid separately in the security tray. This way, you can avoid the high cost and environmental impact of buying bottled water at the airport.
Finally, be aware that water quality can vary depending on the country you're in. Tap water may not be safe to drink in certain regions, so it's important to do your research beforehand. If you're unsure, it's always better to be cautious and stick to bottled water or other alternative sources of hydration.
By following these tips, you can safely fill up your water bottle at airport bathrooms and reduce your plastic waste while travelling.
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Buying water after security
Since the introduction of strict restrictions on liquids in hand luggage in 2006, travellers have been faced with the dilemma of staying hydrated while navigating the high prices of airport shops. Buying water after security is an option, but it can be expensive, and you may end up wasting money on single-use plastic bottles.
To avoid this, some travellers suggest taking an empty reusable water bottle through security and filling it up on the other side. This can be done at drinking fountains, which are often located near food courts or outside bathrooms, or by asking a bartender or waitress. Some airports also have water bottle refilling stations.
It is worth noting that not all airports have drinking fountains, and the quality of tap water may vary depending on the country. Some travellers suggest that bottled water is generally safer, especially when travelling to developing countries.
If you do decide to buy water after security, be prepared for high prices. Water sold at airport shops can be extremely expensive, sometimes charging as much as $5 for a 500ml bottle. However, there are some airports that offer more reasonable prices, such as Birmingham International, where Pret a Manger sells 500ml bottles for £1.
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Country-specific differences in potable water
United States
In the United States, the quality of potable water can vary significantly from state to state and even within states. For example, Flint, Michigan, gained notoriety for its unsafe drinking water due to lead contamination. On the other hand, some states like California and New York are known for their generally safe and well-maintained water systems. The US has strict regulations for municipal water, which must undergo routine and thorough testing. However, bottled water companies often perform minimal testing, and their products may be purified tap water.
Europe
Most European countries are known for having safe and potable tap water. Norway, in particular, is praised for its clean and delicious tap water. However, there are exceptions, such as parts of Greece and Spain, where tap water may be unsafe or unsuitable for drinking due to high mineral content, resulting in hard or soft water. Within the European Union (EU), there are collective standards for water quality, but individual member states can add extra restrictions.
Developing Countries
Many developing countries struggle with providing access to safe drinking water. Up to two billion people worldwide lack consistent access to potable water. In Africa, for instance, Liberia, Lesotho, and Nigeria are at the bottom of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for water quality. In such regions, boiling water or relying on public wells and bottled water is often necessary.
Other Countries
Outside of Europe and North America, countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are known for their stringent drinking water standards. Australia, for instance, sets individual limits for over 100 pesticides, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to water safety. On the other hand, countries like India and China have varying levels of water quality, with some areas providing safe tap water and others requiring additional treatment or relying on bottled water.
These examples highlight the diverse nature of potable water across the globe. While some countries have established standards and infrastructure for safe drinking water, others are still working towards providing their populations with this basic necessity.
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Environmental impact of buying bottled water at airports
The environmental impact of buying bottled water at airports is a complex issue that has far-reaching implications for our planet. The use of plastic water bottles has a significant impact on the environment, from the manufacturing process to the disposal of the bottles.
One of the main issues is the staggering amount of resources required to produce plastic water bottles. In the United States alone, 17 million barrels of oil are needed annually to meet the demand for bottled water. This process of extracting petroleum from the ground releases greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. The production of plastic also releases additional toxins into the environment, impacting the health of ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, the bottle design can complicate the recycling process, reducing the efficiency of material recovery.
The disposal of plastic water bottles is another pressing concern. Countless bottles end up in marine environments, leading to pollution and severe consequences for marine life. Ingestion of plastic fragments often results in injuries or death, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. On land, plastic bottle waste contributes to landfill overflow and soil and water contamination. While recycling is an option, the economic feasibility of recycling plastics is questionable due to the high expenses involved in collection, sorting, and processing. Moreover, the recycled plastic from bottles is often down-cycled into products like fabric, rugs, and clothing, requiring even more crude oil to create new bottles.
The impact of bottled water at airports can be mitigated by encouraging travellers to bring their own reusable water bottles and fill them at designated water fountains or refilling stations. Many airports have started promoting environmental friendliness by providing access to water bottle refilling stations near food concourses and outside bathrooms. By reducing the demand for bottled water and increasing the use of reusable alternatives, we can significantly decrease the environmental impact of plastic water bottles at airports and beyond.
In summary, the environmental impact of buying bottled water at airports extends beyond the convenience of having water readily available during travel. By understanding the far-reaching consequences of plastic water bottles on ecosystems, resource consumption, and waste management, we can make more sustainable choices. Bringing reusable water bottles and opting for tap water whenever possible are simple yet impactful steps towards reducing our environmental footprint.
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Alternatives to buying water at the airport
It is well-known that water sold at airports can be overpriced. Here are some alternatives to buying water at the airport:
Bring an Empty Reusable Water Bottle
You can bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it up at your destination. This is a convenient and environmentally friendly option. However, be cautious about filling your bottle in airport bathrooms, as the water may not be potable.
Fill Up at Water Fountains
Many airports have water fountains, some with bottle refilling stations, where you can fill up your reusable bottle for free. These are usually located near food courts or outside bathrooms.
Ask a Bartender or Waitress
If you are unable to find a water fountain, you can ask a bartender or waitress to fill your bottle with potable water.
Buy Bottled Water at Your Destination
If you are travelling to a place with safe drinking water, you can wait to purchase bottled water after you land or arrive at your accommodation. This may be a more cost-effective option than buying water at the airport.
Use a Filtered Water Bottle
If you are travelling to a place where the drinking water quality is questionable, consider investing in a filtered water bottle. This will allow you to fill up your bottle with tap water and have it filtered as you drink, ensuring that you have access to clean water throughout your journey.
While these alternatives can help you avoid buying water at the airport, it is important to stay hydrated while travelling. So, if you need to purchase water at the airport, you can do so, but be mindful of the prices and consider bringing your own bottle to reduce waste.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and where the water is coming from. Many airports have water fountains or water bottle refilling stations that provide clean drinking water. However, some travellers advise against drinking tap water from airport bathrooms, as it may be treated with chemicals and may not be potable.
You can take an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it up at a water fountain or a water bottle refilling station once you're past security.
Drink the entire contents of your water bottle before going through security. Detach the cap or lid and put it separately in the security tray. Do not leave the bottle in your hand luggage.
