Is Tanker Water Safe to Drink in Dubai?

Three links in the chain

Water quality is only as good as the weakest of three links:

1. Where it’s filled. Sweet water should come from an approved filling station. Most of Dubai’s potable water is desalinated seawater. For example, EGA’s Jebel Ali desalination plant supplies potable water by pipeline and through a dedicated tanker filling station.
2. How it travels. A tanker that carried salt water, site water or anything else yesterday can contaminate sweet water today. Dubai Municipality’s guideline for unbottled drinking water says sweet water tankers shouldn’t be used for any other purpose, should be filled only at approved stations, and should be clearly marked in Arabic and English.
3. Where it’s stored. Even perfect water spoils in a dirty or open tank. Dust, insects, birds and heat are the main risks.

How to check the tanker

When the truck arrives, look for:

• clear markings in Arabic and English on the tank.
• A clean outlet and hose. Ask the driver to run a little water first if the hose has been lying on the ground.
• A dedicated truck. Ask the supplier whether the tanker ever carries salt or non-potable water. Ours don’t: our sweet water trucks carry sweet water only, and salt water goes in separate partner tankers.

How to check your own tank

• Covers closed and sealed, with no gaps.
• Cleaned and disinfected regularly by a qualified company. Plan the refill after cleaning at the same time.
• No sediment build-up. If you see a layer at the bottom, it’s time for cleaning.
• Rooftop tank shaded where possible; warm water encourages growth. See underground vs rooftop tanks.

Warning signs

Don’t drink the water, and contact your supplier or a plumber, if it:

• smells of anything other than a faint chlorine smell,
• tastes salty, metallic or earthy,
• looks cloudy after it has settled, or has particles or colour.

A cloudy look that clears in a glass within a minute is usually just air and is harmless.

Drinking straight from the tap

Many Dubai households use tap water for cooking and washing but filter it or use bottled water for drinking, often because of the condition of building tanks and pipes rather than the water itself. That’s a personal choice. A good filter is a reasonable extra step if you’re unsure about your tank.

Our approach

We deliver sweet water only in sweet-water-only trucks for homes, pools and welfare use. Read the details on water quality, the rules in Dubai Municipality’s tanker guideline explained, and order through sweet water tanker.