Safely Drinking the Tap Water in Venice - An American in Rome (2024)

FAQs

Safely Drinking the Tap Water in Venice - An American in Rome? ›

You can drink the water in Venice and save yourself the expense and waste of bottled water. Venice's tap water is pumped in from the Italian mainland so you don't have to worry about anything questionable in the water that is floating under the city.

Drinking tap water in Venice does not pose any significant health risks. It is generally safe for consumption, even for individuals with sensitive stomachs. However, as with any foreign destination, visitors may experience a period of adjustment when their bodies adapt to the local water.

Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.

The raw water comes from the river Sile, through an artificial canal. Its springs are located in the village of Casacorba, not far from the city of Treviso. That is why tap water in Venice is absolutely safe! Yet, only a fraction of the drinking water of Venice comes from the springs of the river Sile.

Potable water means water intended for human consumption that may be drunk by everyone at all times without health risks of any kind. The tap water in Florence is perfectly safe to drink.

It is difficult to find an Italian who would ask for tap water in a restaurant too. The water here has a high chlorine content which perhaps gives it the cloudy look at times. Yes, I use it to brush my teeth, I use it to biol and make tea. I also have been known to drink the odd glass and have survived.

The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.

The tap water you will find in your Rome hotel room is as safe to drink as the rest of the tap water in the city, in private homes, and in bars. You can use it to refill your reusable bottle to carry around during your sightseeing.

Finland is uniquely rich in surface waters, and ranks amongst the best in the world for its tap water quality. It is not only completely safe but a pleasure to drink, with legislation ensuring that water does not contain substances or organisms that could cause any ill-health.

In Italy, don't shock your waiter by asking for tap water

Not so, as you should never ask for free tap water in restaurants. As Fodors explains, usually, you'll be offered a bottle of still (naturaleor liscia) or sparkling (frizzante or gassata).

Why do Italians drink bottled water? ›

Italy ranks first in Europe and second in the world ranking of mineral water consumers. The fact is in Italy, tap water is not always drinkable: in many areas it's only used for washing things and washing youself, which is why we consume so many bottles of water.

Water fountains are easy to find with 126 spread throughout the city. There's one around every 100 metres, says Alberto Chinellato, an architect for the city council. Water distribution company Veritas has developed a mobile app to help tourists locate places to fill up their water bottles.

This represents the last step of a long process in which modern pumps and plants soak up and boost water to every house in Venice and its islands. Today, drinking water comes both from the local wells and from the water purifier, located in Cà Solaro.

Just know that the insistence on bottled water isn't one of Italy's famous restaurant scams targeting tourists - unless you're later overcharged for it, of course. The water is perfectly safe to drink all over Italy, and you can ask for tap water if you want.

Yes, you do have to pay for water. (You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,” tap water, but it's often seen as a bit rude. Plus, those glasses of tap water will take ages to get refilled by your waiter, if they're refilled at all!).

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines's tap water possesses the accolade of containing the lowest levels of bacteria and chlorine in the U.S., and much of that is thanks to the city's tight control of municipal water treatment. The city's water treatment facility also employs sensors in the water that detect nitrites.

The aqueduct in Venice

Near Piazzale Roma you can also find a museum dedicated to the history of the aqueduct. This aqueduct runs under the railway bridge and still today brings to homes and public fountains in Venice excellent quality drinking water.

In Venice, is in most of northern Italy, tipping is not expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, or for other services, even for excellent service. The only exception is to tip a bellhop €2–€2.50 per bag for carrying your bags to your room.

Yes. Public drinking is legal everywhere in Italy. The only local laws that regulate it in some cities regard glass vessels rather than alcohol content.