Tap water is drinkable in Poland, but it’s suggested to drink only after boiling and filtering it. The water may be safe to drink when it leaves the source, but it might collect pollutants (dirt, dust, and other stuff) on its way to your tap.
Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents. So tap water in each city is different.
Tap water has to abide by strict EU standards, and it is put through a variety of filtration and purification systems before distribution.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Poland?
Water quality in Poland is monitored by the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health and the Local Authorities. As per them, tap water in Poland is safe to drink.
How clean is Polish tap water?
Polish tap water is clean, but your water pipes may not be clean. If your water tank and plumbing pipes are not cleaned enough, it’s not suggested to drink tap water directly. Always take extra precautions. Drink only after filtering and boiling the water.
Most people also don’t like to drink bottled water because they think bottled water is subject to contamination by impurities from the bottle’s materials which I believe is not true.
People also say, “tap water and bottled water in Poland come from the same source, then why do you want to pay extra?
Why does tap water in Poland have a bad reputation?
Before Poland joined the EU there were lots of issues with the water infrastructure and therefore many people still prefer bottled water. Another thing is the taste of water. Chlorine is usually used in tap water in Poland to keep it safe from bacteria and viruses, which gives a different taste.
Are Water Filters necessary in Poland?
No, water filters are not necessary for Poland because the tap water meets or exceeds quality standards in most areas. The only time water filters are necessary is if you were to live in or visit an area where the water falls below quality standards.
Can I ask for tap water in Restaurant?
Yes, you can ask for tap water in Restaurant. The majority of Polish people always use tap water for cooking/beverages and ice cubes. When you visit a restaurant or a cafe, you would usually be provided with tap water until you order a sealed water bottle.
Bottled water is very expensive in Polish restaurants and often costs around 15-20 Polish Zloty per large bottle. The same bottle probably costs less than 5 Polish Zloty in the supermarket.
Is tap water free in Polish restaurants?
Yes, tap water is free in restaurants in Poland. They won’t charge you for tap water. But, you are suggested to order bottled water, as it’s cleaner and safer than tap water.
How do I order tap water in restaurants in Poland?
You can simply ask them in English, “Can I get a glass of tap water, please?”. If the waiter doesn’t understand English, you can say, “Czy mogę prosić o szklankę wody z kranu?” in Polish.
Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Poland?
Tap water in Poland is safe to brush your teeth, or even taking a bath. You can also put tap water from Poland in your food while cooking. As per the Ministry of Health, tap water is 100% safe.
Can you drink tap water in Warsaw?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Warsaw, but you are suggested to drink it only after filtering and boiling it.
Can you drink tap water in Krakow?
Yes, Krakow tap water is safe to drink. You can use it for cooking, drinking, washing, and bathing. However, you are suggested to drink it only after proper filtration.
Can you drink tap water in Wroclaw?
Yes, you can drink the tap water in Wroclaw, but you are suggested to drink it only after filtering and boiling it.
Can you drink tap water in Poznan?
Drinking tap water in Poznan is absolutely fine. However, you are suggested to drink it after filtering and boiling it. Bottled water is the best alternative to tap water in Poznan.
If you are a tourist and visiting Poland, it’s better to stick with bottled water. You wouldn’t want to get sick while traveling, would you? 5 liters of bottled water costs you around 0.65 Euro or 3/4 Polish Zloty.
If you live in or visit Poland, it’s perfectly safe to drink tap water in most areas. However, you may find that you want to use bottled water or filters instead of drinking directly from the tap.
I am the kind of guy who drinks bottled water by boiling it. It’s totally up to you which water you want to drink.
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