Water is so critical in Saudi Arabia where the desert is never far away from ones front door. If you do an internet search on water, Saudi Arabia and desalinization you will find pages of information. This posting is intended to sensitize you about my personal experiences in regards to water and Saudi Arabia. While I had the idea to write about this topic for a week or so what has prompted me to take the initiative and actually write today is because I am without water. This is not the first time this has happened to me or to many individuals whom I know but it is the second time to happen to me in less than a week. Seems like with various construction going on within and around our Saudi compound, either a water main has broken (again) or the water was purposely cut off. Usually though in the suburbs one is typically not without water which is good news.
Now the big question probably on many individuals minds…is the water safe to drink? I am told that at least in our compound it is safe but I have yet to see anyone here drinking from the tap. Most families tend to use bottled water or have the extra large jugs delivered regularly to their home. I have been to some homes that when initially turning on the tap ugly brown sandy water will emerge for the first few minutes before the water will turn clear. We use bottled water and I have also chosen to provide my cats with bottled water. I’ve learned through my various travels that the fastest way to be brought down with a virus or nasty illness is to drink the local water!
Another aspect to adjust to in regards to water and the Kingdom is that during the hottest months, it is difficult to ever really have cold tap water. I have found that from April to November when taking a bath or shower I turn the tap on cold and leave it on. There is no need to touch the hot water tap. Even then with only the cold tap turned on, sometimes the water remains hotter than I would prefer.
Bear in mind this is my perspective and experiences and I am in Riyadh. The experiences may differ in other parts of the Kingdom. I know that for example when we have spent time with family in Mecca regardless of what time of the year it is, we only use the cold water tap. And additionally due to the large volumes of people who come to Mecca it seems that there is always ongoing water rationing there. However remember that Mecca is home to the Grand Mosque (Haram). Zamzam (holy water) is available at the Grand Mosque and this is clear cool water from a natural spring. People will come from all over the world to drink this pure natural water and if they were allowed, would also drink it directly from the stream.
Filed under: Saudi Arabia
