Water Purification
Also known as: Water treatment, Water sterilisation, Purification tablets, SteriPEN
Water purification is any method of making local water safe to drink, from tablets to UV treatment to boiling.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You're trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal where bottled water creates plastic waste and isn't always available. You use a SteriPEN UV purifier to treat water from mountain streams and tea house taps. Each treatment takes 90 seconds and gives you safe drinking water without contributing to the plastic bottle problem that's overwhelming Himalayan trails.
Why travellers need to know
In roughly 100 countries, tap water is unsafe for visitors. Contaminated water causes traveller's diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. Bottled water is the simplest solution but creates waste and isn't always available in remote areas. Purification methods (tablets, UV pens, filters, boiling) give you safe water anywhere. The right choice depends on your destination and travel style.
Country-specific notes
Tap water unsafe; purification essential on treks
Nepal's tap water is unsafe nationwide. On trekking routes, safe water stations (run by NGOs) sell purified water cheaply, reducing plastic bottle waste. UV purifiers and chemical tablets are widely used by trekkers. Boiling is reliable but fuel-intensive at altitude.
Frequently asked questions
How Nomedic helps
Your Nomedic record includes your vaccination history (hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera), so a doctor can assess your baseline protection if you develop waterborne symptoms.
Sources
Your health records, anywhere you go
Your waterborne disease vaccinations, on record.
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