Tropical Countries Watch Out For The Water W'iar can I do to make the water safe while traveling abroad? Does alcohol kill germs and make water safe? Does freezing it make it safe? Throughout most of the world, one simply cannot trust the quality of available drinking water even when the local citizens drink it l without apparent ill effect. All water n in less-developed areas of the world U must be treated before drinking or r using it for brushing the teeth. Major hotels in large cities overseas may tell you that they 'f sterilize their own water. Even if 'his is true, it is safer to draw a !' S'ass of the hottest tap water and let -i it sit to cool before drinking. After having passed through the hotel's hot water heater, most of the I bacteria should be inactivated. Boiling for one minute is also , commended. I On the other hand, freezing has no effect on bacteria, so ice cubes I should always be suspect. Also, contrary to what many think, I alcohol will not inactivate the 'I bacteria in water or ice, although bacteria do not exist in hard liquor I itself. Local beers, wines and carbonated "l bottled drinks are usually safe, J although less so than hard liquor. The acidity of the carbonation andor fermentation process usually holds the bacteria in check. " There is nothing to fear, just be advised; water in some countries needs to be watched out for. Coffee and tea are safe to drink as long as the water used in preparation was thoroughly boiled. Since sterile water can be contaminated by its container, remember to check the bottle. It goes without saying that if glassware, dishes and utensils are wet, they should be wiped dry before use. Water for gargling and brushing should undergo the same treatment as that for drinking. Bottled water is widely available, but it is difficult to carry and expensive. Furthermore, sometimes the empty bottles are merely refilled at the local well and resold as bottled water. If, however, one can assure oneself that the water was purifed where the label indicates, it should be safe for drinking. Local milk in less-developed countries is never to be trusted because of inadequate processing and refrigeration. Milk can be a source of tuberculosis and brucellosis, in addition to all the bacteria found in contaminated water. Though milk can be made safe by boiling, this destroys the protein and the nutritional value. In addition, the taste of boiled milk is usually displeasing. Powdered milk is very safe, more convenient, and high in nutritional value, providing, of course, that it is mixed with purified water. It is unwise ever to drink seawater, even if boiled. Human kidneys cannot handle the large amount of salt. There are ways to purify the water yourself: Either boil for one minute or add two water purification (halazone) tablets per quart and then allow the water to stand for 30 minutes. The tablets will give the water a definite chlorinated taste, but it will be safe to drink.