Can you drink the tap water in Rome? Are you worried about contaminants from old pipes in your building? Do you distrust the local water provider? Why do people drink so much bottled water?
Here are some insights and tips on drinking water for residents and visitors who want to drink tap water in Rome.
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 local Italian and international water quality standards. 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 quality or taste.
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 but it’s not strictly necessary for healthy adults. Read about the common contaminants in tap water.
Read more our article about tap water in Italy.
Water fountains in Rome
There are water fountains available throughout Rome and ACEA has a great map of where they are. Get a refillable water bottle and you will never have to worry about being hydrated and save the environment and money in the process.
Bottled water in Italy
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 and the majority ending up in landfills. To reduce the environmental impact, drink tap water or bottled water on glass.
There is no scientific evidence that bottled water is healthier or safer than tap water.
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.
Where can I buy water filters for Rome?
Order and try out TAPP filters with 30 days money back guarantee from this website or order from Amazon.
Summary
- Residents and visitors can drink the tap water in Rome without worries.
- If you don't like the taste or worry about tap water contaminants then get an affordable water filter such as TAPP 2.
- 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's bad for your wallet and the environment.
http://www.beginningwithi.com/2007/03/13/why-italians-drink-bottled-water/
