Fountain water quality

S

Siom

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Plan to walk Camino Frances around Sep 15

• Aug 28, 2015

• #1

Hi past pilgrims, in the Yellow Guide book, it was mentioned that 'due to the high chlorine content of the pipe or fountain water, many pilgrims prefer to buy inexpensive plastic bottles of non-carbonated mineral water'. Like to know past experience whether water from the fountain taste like swimming pool water? Thanks

 

A

Anemone del Camino

Guest

• Aug 28, 2015

• #2

The water is jut fine, and when it tastes a little odd it's not because of chlorine. No reason to purchase plastic bottle that will be with us for years and years to come.

 

F

Former member 42123

Guest

• Aug 28, 2015

• #3

Siom said:

Hi past pilgrims, in the Yellow Guide book, it was mentioned that 'due to the high chlorine content of the pipe or fountain water, many pilgrims prefer to buy inexpensive plastic bottles of non-carbonated mineral water'. Like to know past experience whether water from the fountain taste like swimming pool water? Thanks

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Only drank fountain water,never a problem with taste or quality.Buen Camino.

 

jeffnd

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

March/April 2014

• Aug 28, 2015

• #4

I remember getting water a handful of times that tasted a little "off," but it was no big deal. You'd be surprised what you can drink when you're thirsty! Other than that, tap water on the Camino ranges from average to outstanding.

 

M

MichaelSG

Retired member

Time of past OR future Camino

Not enough

• Aug 28, 2015

• #5

I did not have any issue at all with the water on the French route from either the bars, albergue sinks, outdoor water fountains, etc. It all tasted fine to me and I never got sick. I must say that some (many?) outdoor fountains on the Portuguese route looked a little too iffy to try. On the Camino Ignaciano, the problem was more that there were not many communal fountains to be found. But the on the French route, they are plentiful, clean and very good tasting. I avoided the few with non-potable signs but I knew a bunch of fellow pilgrims that even drank that without issue. Drinking probably 8-10 liters per day, I never felt the need to buy bottled water for the whole month.

 

wayfarer

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2012, 2013, 2014.

• Aug 28, 2015

• #6

I drank the fountain water as far as Logrono, after that it started to taste off so I switched to bottle water which is very cheap in Spain. The choice is yours, bottle water or take a chance on fountain water.

 

Scott Sweeney

Veteran Member

• Aug 28, 2015

• #7

Chlorine is used for two reasons, one to dissenfect the other is odor control. There is a reason for a free and available residual being noticeable at point source.

And don't forget to take the imodium with you.

 

Patch

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

St Jean to Santiago and Porto to Santiago

• Aug 28, 2015

• #8

I have drunk from the fountains on the camino with no problem. I always put a few water purification tablets in my very basic first aid kit just in case as well, but never used them walking the camino.

 

jefferyonthecamino

http://www.barrerabooks.com/ - Guidebooks

Time of past OR future Camino

2021

• Aug 28, 2015

• #9

i wouldn't, nothing worse than an upset stomach when it can easily be avoided.

i refill at taps with treated water, which we know are treated. more than four years of austerity measures makes me a bit uneasy on the will and funds to check outdoor fountains. then maybe i'm just being a bit psychotic.

 

S

Siom

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Plan to walk Camino Frances around Sep 15

• Aug 30, 2015

• #10

Hi all, thanks for the reply. Think I should take imodine along and have a go with the fountain water and see how it goes.

 

Anniesantiago

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2006 to date: Over 21 Caminos. See signature line

• Aug 30, 2015

• #11

Never had a problem with the fountain water.
If it's raining so hard that the streams are brown, you may want to purchase water.
Otherwise, no problem... at least for me.
PS: You can buy imodium at any Farmacia.

 

T

Thornley

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances x 2 , Norte x 2 , Le Puy x 3 , Portuguese x 2,
Mont St Michel , Primitivo .

• Aug 30, 2015

• #12

Siom said:

Hi all, thanks for the reply. Think I should take imodine along and have a go with the fountain water and see how it goes.

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Fill your 500ml or 1 lt @ the alberque , the same water you shower in.
If you are in a pension or hotel all the better , its gold plated.

Every coffee shop you pass in the middle of nowhere visit the loo, pay a euro twenty for a coffee [ costs you a lot more at home] and fill your water....and talk to the crowd you will see for the next month.

If you don't buy don't use their facilities , simple as that.
If you see the locals using the water...you do.

By the way mate , the shops in Spain have been around a few hundred years longer than Brissie.
I'm sure they will have any tablets etc you desire so there is no need to bring imodium.
And may the Gods be with you in Galicia in regard to water.

 

mspath

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

• Aug 30, 2015

• #13

Anniesantiago said:

....
PS: You can buy imodium at any Farmacia.

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Yes you can! However it could be a long messy slog to the next Farmacia for example climbing Ibaneta or crossing the Meseta when you are in 'distress' and in need. Why not carry it with you; it weighs nil.

 

Kanga

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Francés x 5, Le Puy x 2, Arles, Tours, Norte, Madrid, Via de la Plata, Portuguese, Primitivo

• Aug 30, 2015

• #14

I carry two tablets of various sorts; two imodium, two antibiotics, two antihistamines, two strong painkillers. I figure two doses will get me to wherever help is available and I can buy more. Saves weight but useful in an emergency.

 

T

Thornley

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances x 2 , Norte x 2 , Le Puy x 3 , Portuguese x 2,
Mont St Michel , Primitivo .

• Aug 30, 2015

• #15

Kanga said:

I carry two tablets of various sorts; two imodium, two antibiotics, two antihistamines, two strong painkillers. I figure two doses will get me to wherever help is available and I can buy more. Saves weight but useful in an emergency.

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Three quarter time @ the footy Kanga.
Blood pressure, magnesium and paracetamol .

 

Kanga

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Francés x 5, Le Puy x 2, Arles, Tours, Norte, Madrid, Via de la Plata, Portuguese, Primitivo

• Aug 30, 2015

• #16

Dave, I am trying to ignore the footy. But you have reminded me to pack the magnesium tablets.