Tap water can be unsafe. Russia’s chief freelance epidemiologist, Roman Polibin, has warned that consuming unboiled water during the spring and summer seasons may pose health risks, according to URA.RU.
The main reason is the increased risk of water source contamination due to floods, snowmelt, and heavy rainfall. Such water may contain viruses (rotaviruses, noroviruses, hepatitis A), bacteria (shigella, pathogenic E. coli), and parasites.
Infection can lead to intestinal disorders including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and rapid dehydration. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses.
The epidemiologist emphasized that clear water does not guarantee safety. He recommended using only boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, oral hygiene, and bathing children. The same applies to water from wells, springs, and open reservoirs—it must also be boiled before use.
