← Back
Countries

Türkiye: Water

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

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a crystal-clear glass of water.
Figure 1.Safe water matters especially.

01Short answer

In Türkiye tap-water quality can vary between cities and with a building’s pipes; many families drink sealed bottled water or water from large dispenser bottles. During neutropenia the most reliable choice is sealed bottled or freshly boiled water. Use safe water for ice, brushing teeth and washing fruit too.

02Simple explanation

Know your source: tap, bottle, well.

If in doubt, boil for 1 minute.

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. With large dispenser bottles (damacana), keep the tap and cap clean and do not keep an opened bottle for long.

On a dark navy background, a tap and a sealed bottle side by side.
Figure 3.Know your water source.

When to boil

When your team advises it, when a local boil-water notice applies, or when you are unsure of the source: 1 minute at a rolling boil, cool, store covered, use within 24 hours.

On a dark navy background, a boiling kettle and a covered jug.
Figure 2.When needed, boil and store covered.

Filters and coolers

Home filters improve taste, but not all remove germs; change cartridges on time. Keep water-cooler taps clean.

05Safe water in four steps

From source to glass.

Source — Tap, bottle or boiled.1SourceTap, bottle or boiled.
Boil — 1 minute when needed.2Boil1 minute when needed.
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. With large dispenser bottles (damacana), keep the tap and cap clean and do not keep an opened bottle for long.
When to boilWhen your team advises it, when a local boil-water notice applies, or when you are unsure of the source: 1 minute at a rolling boil, cool, store covered, use within 24 hours.
Filters and coolersHome filters improve taste, but not all remove germs; change cartridges on time. Keep water-cooler taps clean.

07Key terms

Rolling boil
A boil with continuous large bubbles.
Sealed bottle
An unopened bottle.
Water filter
A household water-cleaning device.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Know your source.
  • If in doubt, boil.
  • Ice must be safe too.
  • Filters do not remove everything.
  • 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 minerals.

Isn’t spring water clean?

Even clear water can carry germs.

Can I shower?

Yes; do not swallow the water. With 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. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. GOV.UK (FCDO). Turkey travel advice: health
  5. GOV.UK. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
  6. GOV.UK. Cancer Drugs Fund
  7. NHS Blood and Transplant. Give blood
  8. NHS. Blood transfusion
  9. Anthony Nolan. Official website
  10. World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA). Official website
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →