Can You Drink Tap Water In Italy? The Short Answer is Yes

Last updated on June 13th, 2024

If you are here in Italy and wondering if you can drink the tap water…

The short answer is yes, you can drink tap water in Italy. It’s safe and more so, it’s a human right as established by the Italian government.*

But what about all those fountains you see on the side of the road? Can you drink from those? What about spring water? Is it free? Thermal bath water? And why do Italians drink so much bottled water?

I will answer all your questions in this article about drinking tap water in Italy including practical information, how-to and what I suggest based on years of residency in Italy.

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When You Can Drink Tap Water In Italy

Old water fountain built into the stone wall in a Tuscan village in Italy. — *A fountain in Cetona*

You can drink tap water anywhere in Italy or from any public fountain as long as you don’t see the words acqua non potabile which means not potable or suitable for drinking. You may see this in bathrooms or other public spaces in which the water is intended for other uses such as irrigation.

You will be able to drink the tap water in any accommodation in Italy including these and other sources:

Restaurants in Italy
Hotels in Italy
Apartment rentals in Italy
Farm stays in Italy
Public fountains in Italy

Good To Know: You don’t have to see the term potabile to drink the water in Italy. Avoid water from sources indicating non potabile.

Drinking Tap Water In Hotels In Italy

It is safe to drink tap water in hotels in Italy as established by law unless noted otherwise.

Drinking Tap Water In Farm Stays In Italy

Inside a bathroom at a hotel in Italy. Sinks with cabinets underneath, mirrors, claw bathtub, small table, and shelves on wall. — *Castello di Fighine*

It’s safe to drink tap water at farm stays or agriturismos in Italy unless noted otherwise. Many agriturismos rely on well water so the taste may vary significantly from one to the other.

It’s important to note that many wineries or farm stays that you are lodging at may have other sources of water for irrigation or other purposes and are not potable. Do not drink water from hoses or sources that do not come from the tap of the accommodation where you are staying.

Drinking Tap Water In Apartments In Italy

If you have chosen to book an apartment in a city or other house rental in Italy the tap water is potable. You may not like the taste but it’s safe to drink.

Drinking Tap Water At Restaurants In Italy

Bottle of red wine and water on a table at a restaurant in Italy. — *The flat water selection is often Acqua Panna in Italy at restaurants*

Drinking tap water at restaurants in Italy is safe but it’s not the norm. Many restaurants in Italy will not serve tap water. Rather, they will offer you a choice of either sparkling (frizzante) or flat (naturale) bottled water that they have chosen. It may come in a bottle or in a carafe.

Bottled water in Italy does cost money and is not part of the coperto. Expect to pay anywhere from €1.50 – €5.00 at very high end restaurants.

Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian

Drinking Water From Water Fountains In Italy

Boy drinks from a brass fountain tap in Tuscany, Italy. — My kids drinking from the public water fountains in Italy. We left our water bottles in the car so they drank directly from the fountain. I suggest you fill up your bottle to avoid contamination with the spout.

IMPORTANT: If public fountains are marked non potabile (not potable), it means you CANNOT drink it. Instead, look for small spigots or public fountains from which you are free to fill up your water bottle.

You may notice many Italians coming to fill up with reusable plastic or glass bottles. This is because the water from the public fountains may taste different than the water these Italians are getting in their homes (spring water vs well water, for example). These public fountains are usually just a spigot.

Small machine that dispenses water in a parking lot in Italy. A couple of cars are parked and there are trees on the left. — *Water dispenser in Tuscany*

Water from these fountains is free unless it’s coming from a different source of higher quality in which case you may be asked to pay. It will be very cheap, anywhere from .5-.25 cents per liter. You may or may not need a tessera or membership card to access these water sources. These water sources can be identified as large boxes or cubes with several water sources including fizzy and still water.

Fact: For natural spring water to be publicly supplied, it must go through rigorous tests by the Italian Ministry of Health.**

Where To Avoid Drinking Water In Italy

There are some specific instances when you should avoid drinking the water in Italy. While it’s established by Italian law that water needs to be potable in public facilities, there are some exceptions or times in which I would suggest avoiding drinking the water.

Places to avoid drinking water in Italy:

Whenever you see the words non potabile (not potable)
In public restrooms (could be contamination on faucet or other sources)
In bathrooms on trains
From decorative fountains (such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome)
From hoses
Water spigots on farms

Is All Tap Water In Italy Equal?

Yes and no. All Italian tap water is potable but it may differ in mineral properties and how it tastes. Most tap water in Italy is criticized for being overly “hard” meaning it has a lot of calcium and magnesium.

Each Italian municipality has its own water source and thus, is treated differently to make it potable. This ultimately affects the taste of the tap water but it does not affect the safety.

Tap water in northern Italy tends to have a better reputation in terms of taste while tap water in southern Italy tends to need more treatment and thus, may not taste as good.

Do Italians Drink Tap Water?

Generally speaking, Italians don’t drink tap water. Some do but most prefer to buy Italian bottled water. In fact, take a look at the Italians in line at the grocery store next time. Chances are that they are buying a lot of Italian bottled water.

Each family has their own preference as to what water they like. Some like it more salty, others with more minerals. Some still, some fizzy and some leggermente frizzante, meaning only lightly carbonated.

Instead of buying water, some Italians fill up reusable water bottles, plastic or glass bottles at the public drinking fountains that can be found in most towns or the inexpensive paid sources of water (from the large boxed structures offered in some towns and cities).

Can You Drink Thermal Water?

Thermal water from hot springs in Italy is said to have many health benefits. In fact, many doctors in Italy send their patients (including me!) to thermal spas to help detox their system and cure ailments such as skin conditions and improve breathing.

It is said that thermal water is just as safe as other potable water in Italy BUT because thermal water is often enjoyed freely in public baths, there is risk of contamination. Italians don’t drink the water at thermal baths but rather, soak in the waters to obtain the benefits transdermally.

Can You Drink Spring Water (Italian Bottled Water) In Italy?

Yes, Italy is known for its famous mineral or spring water. You can purchase Italian spring water (Italian bottled water) at supermarkets or other stores including these most famous brands: