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Azerbaijan: water

Safe water matters especially for someone with lowered immunity. This chapter explains how to use drinking water safely in Azerbaijan.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a crystal-clear glass of water on a table with Caspian-blue light behind it.
Figure 1.Safe water matters especially with lowered immunity.

01Short answer

Water supply quality in Azerbaijan can vary by city and district. During neutropenia, the safest choice is freshly boiled water (1 minute at a rolling boil) stored in a covered container, or sealed bottled water. Spring, well and canal water should not be drunk unboiled. Use safe water for ice, brushing teeth and washing fruit too. Ask your team whether you can drink tap water directly.

02Simple explanation

Freshly boiled or sealed bottled water is safest.

Do not drink spring or well water unboiled.

Ice and water for teeth must be safe too.

03Scientific explanation

Boiling: according to the CDC, 1 minute at a rolling boil (3 minutes at high altitude) kills disease-causing germs.

General risk: according to the WHO, contaminated water is a major source of diarrhoea and other infections.

04What happens in the body?

Which water?

Sealed bottled water or freshly boiled water. For large water-cooler bottles, keep the tap and cap clean and do not keep an opened bottle for long.

On a dark navy background, a sealed water bottle with an intact cap ring.
Figure 3.Sealed bottled water is a reliable choice.

How to boil

Bring water to a rolling boil and keep it boiling for 1 minute. Let it cool, store it in a clean covered container and use it within 24 hours.

On a dark navy background, a kettle at a rolling boil beside a covered clean glass jug.
Figure 2.Boil water and store it covered.

Water filters

Home filters improve taste, but not all remove germs completely. It is more reliable to boil filtered water too, unless your team says otherwise.

05Safe water in four steps

From source to glass.

Source — Sealed bottle or tap.1SourceSealed bottle or tap.
Boil — 1 minute at a rolling boil.2Boil1 minute at a rolling boil.
Store — In a clean covered container.3StoreIn a clean covered container.
Drink — From a clean glass.4DrinkFrom a clean glass.
ProtectionLower risk of water-borne infection.
Peace of mindThe family knows the rule.
FluidsYou drink enough.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Which water?Sealed bottled water or freshly boiled water. For large water-cooler bottles, keep the tap and cap clean and do not keep an opened bottle for long.
How to boilBring water to a rolling boil and keep it boiling for 1 minute. Let it cool, store it in a clean covered container and use it within 24 hours.
Water filtersHome filters improve taste, but not all remove germs completely. It is more reliable to boil filtered water too, unless your team says otherwise.

07Key terms

Rolling boil
A boil with continuous large bubbles.
Sealed bottle
A bottle whose cap has not been opened.
Water filter
A household water-cleaning device.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Boiled or sealed water.
  • Spring and well water only after boiling.
  • Ice must be safe too.
  • Filters may not remove all germs.
  • Ask your team about tap water.

09Frequently asked questions

Is mineral water okay?

Sealed mineral water is usually fine; ask your doctor about salt and mineral content.

Isn’t spring water clean?

Even clear-looking water can carry germs. Do not drink it unboiled.

Can I shower?

Yes; try not to swallow the water. If you have a line, ask your team how to protect it.

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. Is mineral water okay?

  2. Isn’t spring water clean?

  3. Can I shower?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Make Water Safe in an Emergency
  3. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  4. GOV.UK (FCDO). Azerbaijan travel advice: health
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  6. DRK-Blutspendedienste. Blood donation (in German)
  7. ZKRD (German National Bone Marrow Donor Registry). Official website
  8. DKMS. Official website
  9. Deutsche Krebshilfe. Official website (in German)
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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