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USA: Local drinks and tea

In US cities, tap water is usually safe to drink and is regulated by EPA standards; well water must be checked separately.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a glass of water.
Figure 1.Water — USA: Local drinks and tea

01Short answer

Every water supplier publishes a yearly water quality report. Private well water must be tested by the owner under state rules. Iced tea, coffee and hot tea are usually fine when freshly made. Unpasteurised apple cider, fresh-squeezed juices and raw milk are considered risky. Ask your team about live fermented drinks such as kombucha and about grapefruit juice (it interacts with some medicines). Talk to your doctor about energy drinks and alcohol too.

02Simple explanation

Tap water: usually drinkable.

Pasteurised: juice and milk.

Kombucha: ask first.

03Scientific explanation

Grapefruit: can change blood levels of some leukaemia medicines.

Advisories: during a “boil water advisory”, boil water or drink bottled water.

04What happens in the body?

Tap water

Check your local report; follow advisories.

Iced tea

Freshly brewed and kept in the fridge.

On a dark navy background, iced tea.
Figure 2.Tea — USA: Local drinks and tea

Cider

Only if labelled “pasteurized”.

On a dark navy background, a cider jug.
Figure 3.Cider — USA: Local drinks and tea

05Safe drinks

Four steps.

Water — Check the report.1WaterCheck the report.
Pasteurised — Read the label.2PasteurisedRead the label.
Swap — Kombucha for tea.3SwapKombucha for tea.
Fluids — Sip through the day.4FluidsSip through the day.
SafeThe right choice.
Against infectionLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Tap waterCheck your local report; follow advisories.
Iced teaFreshly brewed and kept in the fridge.
CiderOnly if labelled “pasteurized”.

07Key terms

Tap water
Water from the mains.
Boil water advisory
A public notice to boil water.
Cider
Apple juice, often unfiltered.
Kombucha
A fermented tea.

08Key points

  • Look at your water report.
  • Have well water tested.
  • Drink only pasteurised juice.
  • Ask about grapefruit.
  • Keep track of fluids.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I need bottled water?

Usually not; yes during an advisory or if your team advises.

Are smoothies OK?

Usually, if made at home from washed produce and pasteurised milk; ask your team.

Coffee?

Usually fine; discuss how much with your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I need bottled water?

  2. Are smoothies OK?

  3. Coffee?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  5. U.S. Department of Agriculture / HHS. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  6. USA.gov. Visas
  7. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Official website
  8. Nutrition.gov (USDA). Official website
  9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Private drinking water wells
  10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ground water and drinking water
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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