General Information » Facts & Figures » Electricity & Water

Water and electricity are both supplied by the government through the Ministry of Electricity and Water. The electricity supply is 220 volts and 50 cycles. The socket type is the same as the three-point square plug British system. There are very few shortages for most of the year, with the exception of the hottest summer months, July and August, when the demand placed on the system by the increased use of air-conditioning units occasionally causes localised shortages for up to a few hours.

The mains tap water is desalinated and drinkable in the major residential areas, but is heavily chlorinated, so most people prefer to drink ‘sweet water’ purchased from local purification factories, or locally bottled mineral water at BD 1 for a five-litre bottle. This has lead incredulous newcomers to Bahrain to report home that ‘oil is cheaper than water in the Gulf’.

There are different brands of water available and companies are listed in the Yellow Pages, but the main companies supplying five-litre bottles are Al Manhal, Tylos and Aquacool, who will make regular deliveries to your home. Hotels and restaurants serve local and international brands of bottled water.