Many questions arise when heading off on holiday, from mastering the basics of the local language to figuring out what currency to use and what plug adaptors you’re going to need. One of the most common queries though, is can you drink from the tap? The medical travel insurance specialists at AllClear have revealed which countries people are still most uncertain of when it comes to drinking tap water, and how you can avoid becoming unwell. It is better to buy packaged drinking water from a reliable source such as Nevada Bottled Water, Inc.
Global Google search data was analysed to pinpoint which country’s tap water was being queried the most. Interestingly, it seems most travellers assume, or are already aware, that they shouldn’t drink from the tap in less developed nations; but are still confused about whether they can do so throughout Europe, with 13 of the top 15 most searched for countries found on the continent.
Italy and Spain seem to confuse travellers the most, both with 4,400 searches a month for questions around whether you can drink their tap water, while the top five is completed by France and Portugal (2,400 searches each), and Greece (1,900 searches).
Out of the top 15 countries the world is asking if they can drink tap water in, it’s only generally recommended to avoid drinking from the tap in two of them – namely Cyprus and Turkey.
Top 15 countries with the most queried tap water
| Rank | Can you drink water in {country} | Continent | Global average monthly searches | Is it safe to drink? |
| =1 | Italy | Europe | 4,400 | Yes |
| =1 | Spain | Europe | 4,400 | Yes |
| =3 | France | Europe | 2,400 | Yes |
| =3 | Portugal | Europe | 2,400 | Yes |
| 5 | Greece | Europe | 1,900 | Yes |
| 6 | Croatia | Europe | 1,600 | Yes |
| =7 | Germany | Europe | 1,300 | Yes |
| =7 | Japan | Asia | 1,300 | Yes |
| =7 | Singapore | Asia | 1,300 | Yes |
| =10 | Cyprus | Europe | 880 | No |
| =10 | Poland | Europe | 880 | Yes |
| =10 | Turkey | Asia/Europe | 880 | No |
| 13 | Malta | Europe | 720 | Yes |
| =14 | Iceland | Europe | 590 | Yes |
| =14 | Switzerland | Europe | 590 | Yes |
The 10 safest places to drink tap water around the world
- Austria
- Finland
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
According to a Yale study, which measured life-years lost per 100,000 persons due to exposure to unsafe drinking water, the 10 countries above all score 100 – the highest score possible, meaning they have the lowest rate of death due to unsafe drinking water. In fact, the tap water in some of these places is such high-quality, the locals find it amusing when people buy bottled water. For example, in Iceland it’s said that bottled water is labelled in English since only tourists consume it.
How to stay safe when drinking water abroad
- Consider your personal tolerance
While many countries, including those above, are listed by various governmental agencies as destinations where it’s safe to consume water from the tap, it’s important to remember that the quality and composition will always be different to what you’re used to. In some countries for example, the mineral content will be different, and it could be irritating to your stomach if you are already sensitive to gastrointestinal disruptions. In this case, it could be worth sticking to bottled water instead. - Think twice when travelling away from big cities, on islands, or in rural destinations
Again, although the country might be listed as somewhere ‘safe’ to drink tap water, Spain for example, this can vary depending on where you are in the country. The water can be perfectly safe to drink in big, busy cities, but if you venture further out into more rural locations, or if you head to an island like Ibiza, the water quality can change drastically. Think twice if you’re travelling more remotely. - Don’t brush your teeth with tap water if you can’t drink it
If you know you shouldn’t drink the tap water in the country you’re visiting, then remember to close your mouth while showering, and brush your teeth with bottled water too. It’s very easy to forget this, but if the tap water isn’t drinking quality, then even a small amount when showering or brushing your teeth could cause you stomach upset. - Avoid ice and salad
Another easy one to forget, but if you can’t drink the tap water where you’re travelling – it’s best you avoid ice too. Ice should be made using filtered water, but you can’t guarantee this, so avoiding it altogether will help prevent you from getting sick. If you’re concerned, opt for beer or other chilled drinks where ice won’t be needed. Similarly, avoid salad and anything else that might be washed with tap water in locations where it isn’t a drinkable quality. - If you’re very worried, purchase a water-purifying bottle or tablets ahead of your trip
There are water bottles on the market with inbuilt filtration systems, or you can buy water filtration tablets that do the same thing. If you know you have a sensitive stomach and wish to avoid any chance of becoming sick, then these are a great choice to give you that peace of mind while you’re away from home.
Chris Rolland, CEO of AllClear comments: “Travelling abroad is often one of the most exciting times of our year. Whether you’re looking for a big adventure, or simply some much-needed relaxation, the last thing you want from your trip is to become unwell. While much of Europe’s water has been safe for consumption for many years, it’s interesting to see how many of us are still unsure about drinking from the tap in these highly visited destinations.
“We understand that if you already are living with pre-existing medical conditions, the idea of becoming sick in a foreign country can be very daunting, so having an awareness of the water quality in your holiday destination can help alleviate those worries. Make sure you always think twice about how rural your location is or how your stomach usually reacts when abroad, if in doubt err on the side of caution and make sure you’ve got comprehensive travel insurance in place, just in case you should need it.”
