Can I drink tap water in Rome?
The romans have delivered clean drinkable water to the city for over 2000 years and they still do. It’s clean and healthy to drink according to all international water quality standards and usually tastes good. Despite this, Italians got accustomed to drink bottled water in restaurants and at home as they got wealthier in the 80s and 90s.
This is cultural and has little to do with water hardness or water quality parameters. However, if you don’t like the taste of tap water, try an affordable water filter such as TAPP 1.
Here are some insights and tips on drinking water for residents and visitors to Rome:
Tap water
Rome receives 97% of its drinking water from springs and 3% from wells. The tap water is supplied by ACEA and considered of very high quality. The water is chlorinated and moderately hard but typically tastes good. Water tests are done daily and reports are available from ACEAs website . For instructions on how to read the water quality report click on this link.
If you don’t like the taste you can try a faucet water filter such as TAPP 1 but it’s not necessary.
Water fountains
There are water fountains available throughout Rome and ACEA has a great map of where they are. Get a refillable water bottle like Retap and you will never have to worry about being hydrated and save the environment and money in the process.
Bottled water
Italians are among the greatest consumers of bottled water in the world, drinking 194 liters (51 gallons) per capita each year, according to the environmental foundation AGMA. This is despite also having some of the best tap water in Europe. Maybe it’s cultural or because bottled water is relatively cheap.
Italy is also one of the leading countries in Europe in recycling, but single use plastic waste is still a big issue with over 10 billion bottles consumed per year. To reduce the environmental impact, drink tap water or bottled water on glass.
Restaurants
You might have to ask 2 or even 3 times, but generally restaurants will provide tap water with ice if requested. Use the money you save on a nice tip instead.
Summary
- Residents and visitors can drink the tap water in Rome without worries. Get an affordable water filter such as TAPP 1, if you don’t like the taste.
- There are plenty of places to fill up refillable bottles, so always bring one with you.
- Avoid plastic bottled water whenever you can as it pollutes the country and oceans, even when the majority is recycled.
