BOTTLED WATER - AQUA

Coming from Europe it is easy to take for granted how accessible fresh water is.  It is valuable commodity here in Indonesia.

We have quickly learnt that even though we are fortunate enough to live in a new apartment complex that we cannot drink the water from the tap or use it for cooking.  Much of the ground water here in Indonesia is contaminated with heavy metals and bacteria such as e-coli.

So a must have gadget for every home and office here is a water dispenser for bottled water.  We have an electric version which not only chills the water but also boils it which is perfect for my regular cups of tea.

We buy the water in 19 litre containers.  When buying we have found it is easiest to ask for Aqua - which the name of one of the most popular brands from Danone. When buying the big bottles you need to make sure it comes with the antiseptic wipes to clean the tops before replacing the bottles.  It is also necessary to check that the plastic safety seals have not been broken, as you don't want a bottle that has been refilled cheaply somewhere outside of the factory.

Not being able to use the tap water for drinking or cooking presents a number of challenges which we had not really thought about before.

For example, you cannot brush your teeth with the water from the tap in the bathroom. So, part of the new teeth cleaning routine here includes ensuring that we have the necessary bottled water by our toothbrushes ready to be used.

Also when preparing food at home, when you want to wash fruit, vegetables and salads you have to use the water from the dispenser. You can't just run them under the tap like we do in Sweden or the UK.

This is also something to be considered when eating out.  You do not want to risk eating fruit, raw vegetables or salads which have been washed with tap water, nor for that matter, ice cubes made with it.

As the traveller's saying goes, 'Cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it'.

So next time you run the tap, waiting for the cold water to come through, for say a glass of water or to brush your teeth, take a moment to remember how fortunate you are to have fresh water.  I know I will next time I am back in the UK or Sweden.