Austria's Tap Water: Safe To Drink?

Austria has some of the world's cleanest tap water, which is safe to drink. The country's tap water is subjected to stringent guidelines and comes directly from the mountains. It is odourless, clear, and healthy, and complies with the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance. The water is also regularly tested for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters.

Austrians drink tap water from various places

The Austrian government prioritises access to clean drinking water, and the stringent guidelines of the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance ensure that the water is safe and meets the necessary standards. The water is regularly tested for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters, and suppliers must comply with food law regulations. This comprehensive monitoring system provides a high level of protection for drinking water supplies throughout the country.

In Vienna, the tap water is particularly well-regarded and is known for its excellent taste. It comes from the mountain range Schneeberg and other Alpine sources, ensuring a pure and natural supply. The water in Vienna is generally soft, which contributes to its pleasant taste. Even in hotels with older plumbing, the tap water in Austria is safe to drink and often crystal clear and odourless.

While tap water in Austria is safe to drink, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Private domestic wells or springs, which supply water to about 10% of the population, are not included in public monitoring. Therefore, it is recommended that owners of these water sources conduct regular quality checks. Additionally, decorative fountains or mountain fountains may have signs indicating that the water is not suitable for drinking, as it may be challenging to continuously monitor the water quality in these locations.

Overall, Austrians can confidently drink tap water from various places, knowing that their water supply is among the cleanest in the world and is subject to strict regulations and monitoring.

Tap water is safe to drink in Austria

Austria has some of the world's cleanest tap water, and it is safe to drink anywhere in the country. The country's tap water mostly comes from protected groundwater resources, and it reaches consumers in a natural state and with excellent quality.

Strict Regulations

Almost 100% of Austria's tap water comes from ground and spring water. The Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance imposes stringent guidelines to ensure that the water is clean and safe for consumption. The water cannot contain any pathogenic microorganisms and must contain a minimum concentration of minerals needed for the human body to function correctly. It also has no measurable pesticide residues.

Regular Testing

Drinking water suppliers are required to have their water tested regularly by authorised persons or institutes. More than 10,000 drinking water samples are analysed every year for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters. This comprehensive monitoring ensures a high level of protection for drinking water supplies in Austria.

Taste

Austrian tap water is known for its excellent taste. It is crystal clear, odourless, and often comes out of the tap incredibly cold, especially during the colder months. The water in Vienna, for example, comes directly from the mountains, providing residents and visitors with pristine Alpine water.

Environmental Benefits

With such high-quality tap water readily available, there is no need to buy bottled water in Austria. Bottled water is terrible for the environment, and studies have shown that it is often contaminated with microplastics and toxic chemicals that leak from plastic packaging. Instead, investing in a reusable water bottle and filling it with tap water is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option.

Cultural Note

While tap water is safe to drink in Austria, ordering it in restaurants is generally considered rude. In some instances, landlords have charged high serving fees for providing tap water. However, traditional cafes will usually serve coffee with a glass of tap water without any additional charges.

Tap water is healthier than bottled water

Tap water in Austria is potable and, in fact, is considered some of the world's cleanest tap water. It is guaranteed to be safe, as it is subjected to the stringent guidelines of the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance. The water is monitored from source to tap, ensuring a high level of protection for drinking water supplies in the country.

Now, here are some reasons why tap water is healthier than bottled water:

Environmental Impact

Tap water has a significantly lower environmental impact than bottled water. Bottled water requires large amounts of energy for treating, bottling, transporting, and refrigerating. In the US, for instance, bottled water production used 4 billion pounds of plastic in 2016, with the energy input for this being equal to 64 million barrels of oil. Most plastic water bottles also end up in landfills or bodies of water, releasing toxins as they degrade.

Cost

Tap water is also much cheaper than bottled water. In the US, for instance, one gallon of tap water costs roughly $0.005, while the same amount of bottled water costs around $9.47.

Health Risks

Bottled water may contain microplastics, which are associated with negative health effects. A 2018 study found that 93% of 259 bottles sampled contained microplastics. Tap water, on the other hand, is generally safe and is regulated by authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance in Austria.

Taste

Despite the perception that bottled water tastes better, most people can't tell the difference between tap and bottled water in blind taste tests.

Convenience

Tap water is also more convenient than bottled water, as it is easily accessible from home faucets and public drinking fountains.

In summary, tap water is generally a healthier and more environmentally friendly option than bottled water. It is also more cost-effective and convenient, making it a better choice for both individuals and the planet.

Tap water is subjected to stringent guidelines

Tap water in Austria is subject to stringent guidelines that ensure its safety and quality. The country's water supply is sourced primarily from protected groundwater, which reaches consumers in its natural state with excellent quality. This is in contrast to many other countries, where drinking water may be contaminated with pathogens or other harmful substances.

The Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance sets strict standards for the quality and monitoring of drinking water. It mandates that drinking water must be free of pathogenic microorganisms and contain a minimum concentration of essential minerals. It also prohibits the presence of any measurable pesticide residues. These regulations are enforced by authorised entities such as AGES, which conducts comprehensive testing and monitoring of municipal water supply systems and public utilities throughout the country.

Drinking water suppliers are required by law to have their water tested at regular intervals by authorised persons or institutes. This includes testing for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters, as well as an on-site inspection to record environmental influences, operating conditions, and structural framework conditions. The results of these tests are made available to the public through the "Infoportal Trinkwasser" platform, ensuring transparency and allowing consumers to make informed choices.

In addition to the regulations set out by the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance, drinking water suppliers must also comply with the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG). This legislation places further requirements on the quality and monitoring of drinking water, ensuring that it meets the highest standards.

Overall, the stringent guidelines and comprehensive monitoring system in place ensure that Austria's tap water is safe, clean, and of excellent quality. The country's commitment to providing its citizens and visitors with access to healthy and safe drinking water is evident in the high standards upheld by these regulations.

Tap water in Austria is guaranteed to be safe

Austrian tap water is safe to drink anywhere you happen to be—hotels, apartments, public toilets, restaurants, Airbnbs, and outdoor public fountains. The water is healthy, crystal clear, and odourless, with a pleasant taste. It often comes out of the tap incredibly cold, as much of Austria's water comes directly from the Alps, and the country has a cold climate for most of the year.

The quality of Austrian tap water is due to the country's stringent regulations and monitoring systems. The Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance sets strict guidelines for the safety and quality of drinking water, ensuring that it is free from pathogenic microorganisms and contains the necessary minerals for human health. Drinking water suppliers are required to have their water tested at regular intervals by authorised entities, such as AGES, to ensure compliance with these regulations.

In addition to regular testing, Austria has implemented a "multi-annual risk-based control plan for drinking water", which enables the early identification of potential hazards and the implementation of appropriate countermeasures. This complex monitoring system involves various institutions and working groups, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection.

The safety of tap water in Austria is further ensured by the fact that, unlike many other countries, Austria can cover its drinking water needs entirely from protected groundwater resources. This means that the water reaches consumers in its natural state, without the need for extensive treatment or chemical additives.

Overall, tap water in Austria is of exceptionally high quality and is guaranteed to be safe for consumption. The country's strict regulations, comprehensive monitoring systems, and reliance on protected groundwater resources ensure that Austrians and visitors alike can enjoy clean and healthy drinking water.

Frequently asked questions