When you are on a boat or a cruise ship, one of the most important things you need to do is to stay clean. And since you cannot just pop into a shower at the nearest gas station, you need to use the facilities provided by the boat. One question that often arises is whether the water used for showering on ships is safe and clean.
It’s a legitimate concern. After all, being on the water for days or even weeks means that you are constantly subjected to seawater, which cannot be used for hygienic purposes. Therefore, ships must use other sources of water that are safe and clean.
The good news is that most ships use desalination processes to make potable water from seawater. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from water to make it safe to drink. This means that the water used for showers, sinks, and other sources of running water on board is clean and hygienic.
However, it’s essential to note that even with desalination, the water’s quality can vary depending on the ship’s water treatment system’s effectiveness. In some cases, ships may be forced to use alternative sources of water, such as port water that may be contaminated to some extent. In such cases, the water may be treated to make it safe for washing, but it won’t be suitable for drinking.
Additionally, some ships may use pre-treated water from freshwater rivers or lakes, which can still contain bacteria and other contaminants. While this water may be safe for showering, it’s essential to ensure that water does not get into your eyes or mouth.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set drinking water standards for cruises operating in US waters. However, these regulations don’t cover the water used for showers and faucets, which means that the cleanliness and safety standards for these facilities differ from ship to ship.
So, while the water used for showering on ships is generally considered safe, it’s important to understand the treatment processes used and be careful while using the facilities. And, if you are ever unsure about the water quality, it’s better to use bottled water for washing and hydration.