Before setting off on your trip you are probably thinking, “Can you drink tap water in Italy”?
I am here to help👋!
As a chemist at a drinking water company and frequent traveller, I am here to walk you through everything you may need to know about using tap water.
Apart from planning what to pack for a trip to Italy and what documents you need, you need to know how to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
I have just got back from Rome and drank the water in my apartment and from the fountains around the city with no problems- in some areas, they are even sparking!
So let’s take a look at Italy’s drinking water and how to avoid getting sick on your trip to Italy drinking water.
✅ To guarantee the water you are drinking is 100% safe, take a LIFE STRAW on your trip with you!
Planning An Italy Trip? Check Out These Resources
These are the things I pack when travelling to make sure I don’t become sick:
✔️ Activated Charcoal (the quickest solution if you become ill)
✔️Rehydration Electrolytes Powder
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🏨 How to find hotels?
I always find great deals for accommodation with Booking.com.
Can You drink tap water in Italy overview?
You will be happy to know that it is generally safe to drink tap water all across the country!
It is only in rural locations you may find that you cannot use the tap water.
I have just returned from Rome and drunk the water there with no problems. But I will give you a heads up, many of the drinking fountains there aren’t obvious or sign-posted.
However, you can still become unwell by drinking tap water if you are not careful. This is because it may contain microbes that you are not used to.
The best way to guarantee you will be safe drinking water all across Italy and the rest of Europe is through an on-the-go filter system.
To make sure you stay well on your holiday, you need to invest in one of THESE👇
The #1 way not to get sick in Italy from water? A LifeStraw Filter Bottle– filters your water and keeps you hydrated!
If you are worried and want to avoid getting sick from drinking water on a trip to Italy or anywhere in the world, I highly recommend getting a LifeStraw Filter Bottle.
I take mine everywhere I travel to guarantee that the drinking water will not make me sick, no matter what the drinking quality is- and it has never let me down!
If you see a sign stating ‘Acqua non-potable’ above a sink or water source throughout Italy, you cannot drink this water. But you can use your filter!
Many of the Cities also have drinking fountains throughout them so you can grab a drink on the go.
This is a lifesaver on a busy day of sightseeing or driving, especially in the hot summer months.
To make the most of the free water around the Cities, make sure you take a reusable water bottle with you.
There is nothing worse than needing a drink of water, but having nothing to drink from- The ONTA Collapsible water bottle is perfect for this!
However, if you want to be sure the water is safe, run the tap for at least 30 seconds.
If the water comes out and it is clear and odourless, you are good to drink it.
This is such a quick and easy water quality test you can do to double-check your water.
For those who are still unsure about drinking water from the taps, bottled water is a fantastic alternative.
You can pick these up relatively cheaply and you will always have plenty of options.
If you are unsure of which to buy, San Benedetto and San Pellegrino are probably up there with the most popular brands you can buy.
The last thing you want is to be sick on your trip, especially if you have planned something epic like a helicopter tour!
So if you are unsure if the water is okay, stick to bottled water!
Tap water in public places in Italy
Throughout the major Cities and Towns, You will find plenty of places to grab water thanks to the multiple fountains.
If you ask a local where the nearest drinking fountain is, they will direct you to a nasoni or Fontanella.
These are really popular, especially in Rome where there are thousands. But as I mentioned, I couldn’t tell if many of them were drinking fountains or just normal water fountains.
But when you find one, they are perfect for getting drinking water on the go and more environmentally friendly. They are also a great way to save money from constantly buying bottled water (it all adds up!).
So make sure you take a reusable water bottle with you to make the most of the water fountains!
Do you need a water filter in Italy?
As you can drink tap water in most places across the country with no issues because the water quality is safe, you don’t need to pack a water filter.
Italy has a good water treatment system which makes the majority of drinking water across this popular destination great quality and safe to drink.
However, if you want to make sure the tap water you drink is 100% safe or you want to improve the taste, you can always use a filter.
Tap water vs bottled water?
You may be thinking, which do I drink, tap or bottled water on my trip?
Many find tap water is cheaper and cleaner than bottled water.
This is because tap water is a natural resource that is free to use, while bottled water requires resources to be manufactured and transported.
Tap water is not only free but a great way to help reduce your travel emissions. Bottled water also has a shorter lifespan than tap water.
There are lots of different brands of bottled water, so it gives you a lot of choices. This is great but you may go through a lot of brands before you find the one you actually like the taste of.
However, drinking bottled water is a great way to know that the water quality you drink in Italy is safe. So there are pros and cons to both tap and bottled water.
Even though you can use the taps with no problems, it can be always handy to have a bottle of water on you just in case.
So bottled or tap, the option is completely yours!
Can you drink tap water in Italy hotels?
The water quality across Italy is of a pretty high standard.
So you can drink the water in hotels with no problems. This also includes using it to brush your teeth, wash and take medication.
In very rare cases, the hotel will let you know when you are checking in or during your stay if you cannot drink the tap water.
This issue is easily overcome by boiling some water or drinking bottled water. Most hotels will provide you with bottles of water during your stay if you are unable to drink the tap water there.
However, this is rare and throughout Italy, you should have no problems with drinking local water straight from the tap.
Italy has some of the most romantic places in Europe to visit, so don’t let the water put you off!
Why do restaurants in Italy not serve tap water?
it’s simply not a common practice to serve tap water in restaurants, so be prepared!
You can ask but usually, if you ask for water with your meal, you will be brought high-quality bottled water.
There are a few reasons why restaurants may refuse to give you tap water and the main one is because it is hard and mineral rich. This gives it a pretty unpleasant taste but is completely safe to drink.
Which Parts Of Italy Can You Drink The Tap Water?
To make sure you can drink the water in your next destination and the water quality is safe, here is a list of the most popular destinations:
Can you drink tap water in Venice?
✔️ The tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Venice.
Can you drink tap water in Rome?
✔️ Drinking tap water in this part of Italy is perfectly safe. There are loads of free water fountains around the City too which makes it so much easier to grab a drink quickly.
Can you drink tap water in Milan?
✔️ Not only is Milan totally worth visiting, but tap water is also perfectly safe to drink here as well.
Can you drink tap water in Florence?
✔️ Florence’s tap water is safe for all visitors and residents to drink.
Can you drink tap water in Verona?
✔️ Verona is another popular destination where it is safe to drink tap water. It is monitored frequently so you will be told if it is not safe to drink.
The FAQs about Italian drinking water
As you can drink tap water almost anywhere across Italy, keeping safe and hydrated is pretty easy.
However, you may have a few questions about drinking water for your trip to Italy. Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding drinking water in Italy:
Can I brush my teeth with Italian tap water?
Not only can you drink tap water in Italy, but you can safely and easily use it to brush your teeth.
If you are ever concerned or not sure if the water is safe to use, run the tap first.
If the water is clear with no scent coming from it, you will have no problems.
However, if you are in a more remote location and you are still not sure, check with your hotel or use bottled water.
How Can I Get Free Water in Italy?
Many cities and major towns across Italy have drinking fountains. This is an easy way to get free water when visiting Italy, so make sure you have a reusable water bottle with you!
If you want Free tap water when eating out, make sure you state to the waiting staff that you want to drink tap water.
This is usually free. If you don’t state you want tap water, then you will be provided with bottled water and there will be a charge.
Is European tap water safe to drink?
This honestly depends on where you are in Europe. Even though you can generally drink tap water in Italy with no issues, this isn’t the case all over Europe.
It’s best to ask your hotel if you can drink the tap water in the country you are visiting.
The last thing you want is to be really unwell on your trip.
If you want to be really sure, the best thing to do is to stick to drinking bottled water you can buy from a local supermarket.
Final thoughts on drinking tap water in Italy
You will find that you can drink tap water in Italy with no issues.
But I always recommend taking a trusty LIFE STRAW with you to 100% Guarantee all the water you drink and use is safe.
However, to make sure the tap water you are going to use is safe, make sure it runs clear. Use this guide to not get sick in Italy and find free spots to grab tap water on the go.
✅ To guarantee the water you are drinking is always safe, Get Your LIFE STRAW HERE TODAY!
I hope you found this article helpful! To help you explore the rest of Europe, here are some more relevant posts:
✔️The Best British Airways Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
✔️How To Travel To Europe From India?
✔️The Best Cabin Baggage For Ryanair Flights
✔️The Best Time To Visit Europe
✔️What Countries In Europe Speak English?
✔️The Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel
✔️Where Are The Best Places To Visit In April In Europe?
✔️What Do You Need To Know About Driving In Europe In Winter? The Complete Guide
More Information about visiting Italy
Italy has some of the best food and wine spots in the world.
Combine this with all the other amazing views and you are in for a good trip. To make the most of your Italy adventure, here are some of the best tours and day trips:
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
