Can You Drink Tap Water In Dubai?
Because of rapid city growth, many people now wonder if taking the leap and consuming the water from the taps of Dubai is safe enough. According to DEWA, the water supplied in Dubai comes from desalination and is evaluated for safety, but many people in the city still doubt its safety for direct consumption.
In this article, we discuss the source of Dubai’s tap water, how it is treated, the opinions of experts and what both residents and guests prefer to drink.
Source of Tap Water
In Dubai, most of the tap water is created by desalinating the sea. Because there is not much freshwater available, the UAE depends on desalination. Desalination plants process the salt out of seawater to transform it into drinkable water. DEWA uses reverse osmosis and multi-stage flash distillation to obtain water from the main plants it operates.
The water supply can also be supported by groundwater, but it is primarily utilized for farming or to beautify the landscape and not for drinking.
How Is It Treated?
Once the water has been desalinated, it is fully tested and treated before it is made available to customers. DEWA adds minerals to the water to improve its flavor and always makes sure it conforms to or exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for drinking water quality. They provide guidelines for levels of microbes, pollutants and safety for wastewater.
Low amounts of chlorine are used in the water to keep the pipes free from bacteria for normal household activities.
Home Storage Matters
Although the treatment plants ensure tap water is safe, its safety once you have it at home depends a lot on your handling it well. Contaminated water might result from poorly maintained pipes, water that has been still for some time or storing it without proper hygiene.
It is advised by experts to regularly maintain water tanks and use filters so that the water you drink is safe and tastier. Never drink water that has been in pipes or containers for a long time, unless the weather is cold.
Expert and Government Opinions
DEWA and Dubai Municipality assure the public that the tap water is safe for use according to UAE and international standards. Yet, many doctors and other health specialists encourage people moving to the U.S. or visitors to be vigilant.
According to public health expert Dr. Ahmad Al Saadi, even though tap water is safe, some people prefer to drink filtered or bottled water just in case their pipes or storage tanks are getting old.
Locals vs. Tourists – What They Drink
Many residents feel comfortable drinking the tap water, mainly if it comes from newer buildings with improved plumbing.
Many tourists and expatriates opt for bottled water, mainly because they prefer the taste and are worried about the drains in places they are staying.
Tap vs. Bottled Water in Dubai
| Aspect | Tap Water | Bottled Water |
| Source | Desalinated seawater | Various purified sources |
| Treatment | Desalination + chlorination | Purified, sometimes mineralized |
| Safety Standards | Meets WHO & UAE standards | Regulated by UAE authorities |
| Taste | Slight chlorine taste possible | Usually preferred for taste |
| Cost | Very low (included in utility bills) | Higher, paid per bottle |
| Environmental Impact | Low (no plastic waste) | High (plastic waste concerns) |
| Common Use | Everyday use by locals | Preferred by tourists and expats |
FAQs
Is it safe to drink tap water directly in Dubai?
It is legally required that tap water is safe, even so, taste and the condition of your kitchen plumbing might make you prefer other types.
Is chlorine added to Dubai’s tap water?
A small amount of chlorination is performed to ensure the water is safe, but it is always kept within recommended rules.
Is it necessary to have a water filter inside the house?
Many households say filters improve the taste and remove unsure impurities from old pipes.
Conclusion
The water in Dubai is considered safe for drinking since it is treated to meet both regional and international requirements. Even so, the water can be different or unsafe due to the way your house is plumbed and stores the water. Tap water is common for locals, yet tourists usually go for bottled water as they prefer its ease of mind and preferred sweetness.
