Symi Chat

I know that the water situation on Symi is difficult, with the desalination plant and water transported in from Rhodes, also rain collected in sternas, but do the people of Symi drink it or is bottled water the only option?
The amount of bottles that we get through on holiday is quite worrying these days.

Locals will warn you against drinking the tap water and maybe their point is valid if you're doing so 365/365, but we've always drunk tap during our visits for the last 30plus years (I don't recall seeing plastic bottles much in the early years) and are alive to tell the tale. Maybe the ouzo sterilises the water?

Seriously, the desalinated stuff doesn't always taste brilliant but from a sample of 2 people visiting for 2 or nowadays 3 weeks a year it probably won't kill you. And the planet will be grateful.

Thanks Jan, that was my thinking really. I remember drinking the water many years ago with no ill effects, but as you say the ouzo consumption was much higher when I was younger

We've always regarded ouzo and retsina as health drinks

Jan wrote:We've always regarded ouzo and retsina as health drinks

That is so reassuring

I would definitely boil the water and then put it in the cooler, before drinking it.
But then again, I've never been that keen on getting a stomach flu on my much too short holiday.

Good advice Thomas, thank you. I can understand that our stomachs wouldn't be used to the water.
Do the people of Symi drink the water does anyone know?

We always use the bottled water as even if the water is drinkable it usually is more concentrated with minerals and it's what can cause stomach upsets.

I understand about the plastic though and did my bit in June/July picking litter up on my walks.

I will no doubt do a bit of litter picking in our October visit too.

Silverfox, you set a great example. I'll remember to follow your "hobby" next time I visit the island.
One of my dreams is to win a lot, like a lot, of money and then spend my time cleaning up the island, especially the hills around Chorio, where lots of rubbish have been thrown out for much too long.
But no reason not to start out small, anything helps.

I don't go overboard Thomasdk and I'm not carrying bags etc... but if you know where the bins are I will pick up within 200 yards or so and deposit as I pass.

As you say small steps and if enough people do a little a lot happens.

It's still better than just passing it and exactly, rings in the water.

I remember in 2016 there was a big outbreak of Gastro in Rhodes which came from tap water so as a rule we always drink bottled water ,even the frappes were made with bottled water at cafes.

Thanks Kon and all contributers, the general opinion seems to be 'stick to bottled' then.

katy wrote:Thanks Kon and all contributers, the general opinion seems to be 'stick to bottled' then.

Must admit that although I would never dream of buying bottled water in the UK as I'm happy to drink tap water, it's the opposite in Greece. I use tap water for tea/coffee and for brushing my teeth but always drink bottled water as wouldn't want an upset tummy to spoil my holiday.

Yes, we're the same Gemma but it is disheartening to see the amount of bottles we use in 2 weeks isn't it?

People must make their own choices of course but the 'Rhodes tummy' warning is a bit of a red herring as AFAIK drinking water in Rhodes comes from springs/underground reserves. Symi water is desalinated so quite different.

katy wrote:Yes, we're the same Gemma but it is disheartening to see the amount of bottles we use in 2 weeks isn't it?

I agree Katy