Top flight hotels do a good job of providing safe, bottled water and many triple filter water as it comes into the facility.
Two moments easily overlooked take place during ones daily morning routine. Do. not swallow water while showering. Use bottled water for tooth brushing. THESE ARE CRITICAL HABITS TO DEVELOP.
Always check the seal on "bottled" water you buy on the streets. Some vendors refill bottles with tap or well water to pass off as safe, filtered water. Avoid eating raw foods in India, especially vegetables, since they have probably been cleaned with unfiltered water or have absorbed contaminated water in the fields.
UPDATE:
At first, most of us were extra careful. We did eventually drink water poured from pitchers at our Lemon Tree Hotel without consequences. But some in our group didn't follow these safeguards while on weekend excursions. Let's just say consequences were suffered and leave it at that.
Also, on our Goa Trek, we simply could not carry all the water we needed to stay hydrated. We employed my water purification tablets with good but starling success. The first of the two tablets turned the water a murky brown color. The second turned it clear. Ever dependable Danny volunteered to drink the first sip. No iodine taste. No upset. Be sure to take some water purification tablets with you AND use them if necessary.
Be vigilant! The natives build up anti-bodies to the bacteria and other germs carried in the water. Though not intending any harm, sometimes they can forget that Americans have no such immunity. Be careful not to follow their leads when it comes to food and drink. Always go for COOKED and FILTERED.
