Newcomers to the UAE often ask old-timers for advice on whether tap water is healthy to drink.

Surprisingly, opinions are not all the same on this subject. While some residents do not seem to have a problem drinking tap water at all, other would say it is only good for cooking, cleaning – or nothing.

Along with the advice come the warnings: ‘tap water would leave a brownish substance at the bottom of your glass’, or ‘it contains all kinds of harmful elements’, and ‘one should only resort to bottled drinking water’…

Some residents argue that even bottled water can contain harmful elements if you’re not careful with selecting the right brand.

Many residents feel urged to invest in bottles and jugs of drinkable water. The water cooler has become a common object in many households. But is it necessary?

Authorities have time and again stated that there is nothing wrong with tap water in the UAE.

But that does not mean that everybody should drink from the tap; the water tank storing the water can be breeding ground of elements that decrease the quality of tap water.

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