Can you drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia? 

And what’s actually the safest, healthiest option for your family?In this research-led episode of Saudi Life Unpacked, Frankie and Lily deep dive into one of the most asked (and most misunderstood) expat topics: water quality in Saudi Arabia. 

From desalinated tap water and delivery gallon bottles, to glass spring water and under-sink filtration systems, they break down the pros, cons, costs, and health considerations of each option.Lily shares the months of independent testing she carried out  including third-party lab testing,  to understand what’s really in common household water sources in the Kingdom. 

They also discuss microplastics, TDS (total dissolved solids), chlorine, and why water safety can feel different in a desert climate.Whether you’re new to Saudi or have lived here for years, this episode will help you make informed decisions about drinking water, filtered water systems, bottled water, and family health in the region.

SHOW NOTES:
- Why Saudi tap water is desalinated and why most residents avoid drinking it
- The pros and cons of gallon bottled water (cost, convenience, microplastics)
- Glass bottled spring water as an alternative
- What microplastics are and why heat can make plastic bottles a concern
- What TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) means when testing water quality
- Installing an under-sink home filtration system and how it works-
 Independent lab testing results for filtered vs. tap water
- Cost comparison between bottled water and filtration systems
-  Other home water considerations like shower filters and hard water

Resources & Recommendations
Water Filtration & Testing
-  Brita – Popular pitcher and faucet-mounted water filters
- TDS Meter – Handheld Total Dissolved Solids tester for home water checks
-  Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis (RO) System 
– Whole-home/under-sink filtration option

Bottled Water Options
- Glass Spring Water 
– Recommended to avoid microplastics and heat leaching
-  Delivered Gallon Water Containers 
– Common expat water delivery choiceHealth & Safety
- Third-Party Water Lab Testing – For accurate analysis of minerals, TDS, and contaminants

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