Ordering Tap Water In Austria: What You Need To Know

Tap water in Austria is known for its high quality, with stringent guidelines in place to ensure it is safe for consumption. However, there is some debate around whether it is acceptable to order tap water in restaurants. While some sources claim that it is generally considered rude and may incur high serving fees, others assert that it is common to be served tap water alongside coffee or wine without incurring additional charges. This text aims to explore the cultural norms and expectations surrounding tap water in Austrian dining establishments.

Ordering tap water in restaurants

First and foremost, it is generally considered rude to order tap water in Austrian restaurants. This is because the country has a culture of drinking mineral water, which is widely available. If you do order tap water, you may be charged a small fee, and it might be frowned upon by the staff. However, if you are concerned about the cost of bottled water, it is best to ask for tap water and confirm the price beforehand.

Additionally, bringing your own water bottle to a restaurant is not customary in Austria and may be seen as impolite. If you are looking for free drinking water, it is more acceptable to refill your bottle at public fountains or tap water stations, which can be found in some areas.

It is worth noting that traditional cafes in Austria will often serve a glass of tap water alongside your coffee, free of charge. So, if you are looking for a quick drink of water, a cafe might be a good option.

The tap water in Austria is of excellent quality, and it is safe to drink. The water comes mainly from ground and spring water, with around half of it being sourced from groundwater. It is well-protected by the Austrian Water Rights Act, and it undergoes regular testing to ensure it meets strict legal requirements. So, if you are offered tap water, there is no need to worry about its safety.

In conclusion, while it is possible to order tap water in Austrian restaurants, it may be considered impolite, and you may be charged a small fee. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to order bottled mineral water, which is widely available and culturally more accepted.

The quality of Austrian tap water

Austria is one of the few countries that can meet its drinking water needs entirely from protected groundwater resources. The water is mostly in a natural state when it reaches consumers and is of excellent quality. The tap water in Vienna, for example, is generally of very high quality and notably low in nitrogen. It comes almost exclusively through two direct pipelines from the Alps.

Comprehensive monitoring, from source to tap, ensures a high level of protection for drinking water supplies in Austria. Drinking water suppliers are required by law to have the water they supply tested at regular intervals. Over 10,000 drinking water samples are analysed annually for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters. This includes on-site inspections to record environmental influences, operating conditions, and structural framework conditions.

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection coordinates the control and monitoring activities of the bodies involved. A "multi-annual risk-based control plan for drinking water" helps identify new potential hazards and implement countermeasures before problems arise.

Private domestic wells or springs, which approximately 10% of the Austrian population relies on for drinking water, are not covered by public monitoring. Owners are responsible for conducting regular quality checks on the water and the structural condition of the water dispenser.

Long-term studies have shown that Vienna's drinking water does not contain any pesticide residues. The city's tap water is high-quality and safe for consumption, with regular testing and monitoring in place to ensure its potability.

Tap water in Vienna

Vienna's tap water is sourced from mountain springs in the Styrian/Lower Austrian Alps, and it is entirely safe to drink. In fact, it's said to be of very high quality, notably low in nitrogen, and tasting as good as any mineral water. The water reaches Vienna within 36 hours, flowing without the need for pumps, and is subject to strict regulations.

Drinking Water Facilities

There are around 1500 drinking fountains across the city, labelled as 'Trinkwasser' (drinking water), where you can refill your water bottle. These are especially useful in the summer months when the city also provides additional cooling stations and water-based facilities to help residents and tourists beat the heat.

Tap Water in Restaurants

Ordering tap water in restaurants in Austria is generally considered rude, and you may be charged a small fee for it. However, traditional cafes will often serve a glass of tap water with your coffee, free of charge. If you want to avoid any confusion or potential charges, it's best to order still mineral water, which is readily available.

Water Quality

Austria's drinking water is sourced from protected groundwater resources and reaches consumers in a natural state with excellent quality. Drinking water suppliers are required by law to have their water tested regularly by authorised persons or institutes. Over 10,000 drinking water samples are analysed annually for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters.

Water Hardness

The water in Vienna is generally soft, which contributes to its pleasant taste. However, in some districts of the city, such as the 2nd, 3rd, 11th, 21st, and 22nd districts, the water can sometimes be hard due to the amount of mineral absorbed from the soil. Nonetheless, this variation in water hardness is nothing to be concerned about.

Why Austrians buy bottled water

Austrians buy bottled water for a variety of reasons, despite having access to some of the world's cleanest tap water. Here are several reasons why:

Cultural Norms and Expectations

Ordering tap water in restaurants is generally considered rude in Austria. While it is not customary to charge for tap water, some establishments have been known to impose high serving fees for providing it. As a result, many people opt for bottled mineral water to avoid any potential issues or embarrassment. This cultural norm is deeply ingrained, and carrying your own water bottle to a restaurant is also frowned upon.

Health and Wellness Trends

The evolving health and wellness trend in Austria is expected to drive sales of bottled water. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives to soft drinks, and the market is responding with low-calorie, low-sugar, and flavoured water options. The perception of bottled water being safer and healthier than tap water, whether accurate or not, also plays a role in this trend.

Convenience and Accessibility

Bottled water is readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores, where consumers can take advantage of large brand selections, frequent promotions, and easy access to new and seasonal products. Being able to purchase bottled water during their regular shopping trips is a convenient option for many Austrians. Additionally, the availability of bottled water in various sizes, including bulk options, makes it a practical choice for those who want to have water readily available outside of their homes.

Taste and Perceived Quality

Some Austrians may prefer the taste of bottled water over tap water. While Austrian tap water is known for its high quality and safety, personal preferences and taste buds may vary. Bottled water is often marketed as a premium product, and some individuals may associate it with higher quality or purity, whether or not that perception is accurate.

Environmental Concerns

Despite the environmental impact of bottled water, some Austrians may be unaware of or unconcerned about the issue. The convenience and perceived safety of bottled water may outweigh environmental considerations for some consumers. Additionally, the recycling and reuse of plastic bottles, as well as the development of more sustainable packaging, could influence purchasing decisions and alleviate some environmental concerns.

Drinking water supply for the Austrian population

Austria can meet its drinking water needs entirely from protected groundwater resources, which is unusual compared to other countries. The water is of excellent quality and reaches consumers in a natural state. The Austrian Water Rights Act (Österreichisches Wasserrechtsgesetz) protects these valuable water resources.

Sources of Drinking Water

Almost 100% of Austrian drinking water comes from ground and spring water, with around half of this amount provided by groundwater. The remaining 10% of the population obtains drinking water from their own domestic wells and springs, which are not covered by public monitoring.

Supply Network

Around 90% of the population, or 7.9 million people, are supplied by central water supply facilities, with a pipeline network of around 78,500 km. The supply network is almost 80,000 km long and serves approximately 8 million people.

Water Quality

Drinking water suppliers are required to have their water tested regularly by authorised persons or institutes. Over 10,000 drinking water samples are analysed annually for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters. The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection coordinates the control and monitoring activities of various bodies to ensure the quality and safety of drinking water.

Water Usage

The average consumption of drinking water in Austrian households is about 130 litres per capita per day, excluding commercial, industrial, or bulk users. Approximately 22% is used for showering and bathing, 25% for toilet flushing, 10% for laundry, and 2% for dishwashing. Only about 3% is used for drinking and cooking.

Cost of Tap Water in Restaurants

While tap water is generally considered safe to drink in Austria, ordering it in restaurants may be considered rude. Some restaurants may charge a small fee for tap water, while others may provide it for free. It is recommended to ask for "Leitungswasser" to avoid being served bottled water, which may be more expensive.

Frequently asked questions