| In the USA, we take it for granted that we can go to | | | | 2) Purification drops - These drops, usually iodine or |
| the sink for a glass of water anytime we are thirsty. | | | | chlorine, are sold in most grocery stores. The directions |
| We don't have to wonder if the water is clean or if it is | | | | are printed on the label. |
| safe to drink. We don't even wonder if it is available. It | | | | 3) A water filtration system - You can buy an |
| is just there whenever we need it. | | | | inexpensive unit that attaches to the faucet or a more |
| This is not so in most of Mexico. The water is not safe | | | | expensive whole-house unit. |
| to drink, it is not always clean, nor is it always available. | | | | 4) Bottled water - You can go to a neighborhood |
| Whether you move to Mexico or just come for a visit, | | | | store and buy bottled water. However, these |
| you will have to break your habit of drinking water | | | | five-gallon jugs are quite heavy. I cannot lift one to |
| straight from the tap. | | | | carry it across the kitchen, let alone carry one from |
| So, if you cannot drink the water in Mexico, how do | | | | the store to my house (especially up a long flight of |
| you get water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your | | | | steps!). Fortunately, the water companies in |
| teeth? | | | | Guanajuato send their trucks around the streets to |
| Residents use one or more of the following methods: | | | | deliver water. The employees walk through the streets |
| 1) Boil - In my research, I have discovered a wide | | | | shouting, "Agua" and the name of the company. I call |
| range of opinions concerning the length of time | | | | out the window to get the employee's attention and tell |
| necessary to make the water safe. Some say letting | | | | him how many jugs I need. He brings them all the way |
| the water come to a rolling boil is sufficient. Others say | | | | into my kitchen for me. Though the delivered water |
| the water must boil anywhere from five to forty | | | | costs more than the same water at the grocery store, |
| minutes. I personally don't use this method here in | | | | the difference in price more than makes up for the |
| Guanajuato because the high mineral content of the | | | | hassle. |
| water gives it a metallic taste | | | | |