Austria's Drinking Water: Safe Or Not?

Austria has some of the world's cleanest tap water, which is safe to drink. The country's drinking water comes entirely from protected groundwater resources, with comprehensive monitoring in place to ensure its quality. In fact, tap water in Austria is often considered superior in quality to bottled water.

Tap water in Austria is generally safe to drink

Austria's tap water is so clean because almost 100% of it comes from ground and spring water. This water is protected by strict regulations and is regularly tested for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters. Drinking water suppliers must have the water they supply tested at regular intervals, and the results of these tests are made public.

In addition to being safe, Austrian tap water is also healthy, crystal clear, and completely odourless. It often comes out of the tap incredibly cold, thanks to the country's cold climate. So, whether you're in a hotel, restaurant, public toilet, or even a mountain fountain, you can rest assured that the tap water in Austria is safe to drink.

However, it's worth noting that while the water itself may be safe, there have been reports of old buildings with lead pipes. While this is uncommon, it's something to be aware of, especially in older properties. If you're concerned, you can purchase water tests to check the quality of your tap water.

Ordering tap water in a restaurant is generally considered rude in Austria, and some landlords may charge high serving fees for providing it. However, traditional cafes will usually serve coffee with a glass of tap water, and there are also many public drinking fountains throughout the country where you can fill up your bottle for free.

Austrians consider ordering tap water in restaurants rude

Austrians consider it rude when people order tap water in restaurants. This is because, in some instances, landlords charged high serving fees for providing tap water. However, this does not mean that tap water in Austria is unsafe for drinking. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

Austria has some of the world's cleanest tap water. The country's tap water is guaranteed to be safe for drinking as it is subjected to the stringent guidelines of the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance. The water is rich in minerals and has no measurable pesticide residues or pathogenic microorganisms.

The high quality of Austrian tap water is due to the fact that almost 100% of it comes from protected groundwater resources, and mostly from the Alps. The water reaches consumers in its natural state and with excellent quality. Drinking water suppliers must have the water they supply tested at regular intervals, and comprehensive monitoring is conducted from the source to the tap to ensure a high level of protection for drinking water supplies.

While Austrians consider it rude to order tap water in restaurants, it is perfectly acceptable to drink tap water from other sources. Austrians themselves drink tap water from their homes, public toilets, hotels, apartments, fountains, etc. In fact, drinking fountains are quite common in tourist areas, and the authorities also install various water-based cooling facilities in busy areas during hot periods.

Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets

Although tap water in Austria is generally safe to drink, you may prefer to buy bottled water. Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets.

Bottled water is a convenient option if you are wary of drinking tap water, especially if you are staying in an old building with old pipes. While the tap water in Austria is safe to drink, there have been instances of contamination. In 2023, around 16% of 5,860 drinking water tests from private suppliers did not meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance, as germs such as E. coli, enterococci, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected.

If you are travelling throughout Austria, you may find it easier to buy bottled water in supermarkets rather than seeking out drinking fountains or taps. Additionally, if you are visiting during the summer months, there may be excessive water use or repairs to the Alpine pipelines, which supply Vienna's tap water. During these times, the city sources its water from the Lobau, a large alluvial forest area in a national park alongside the Danube. This water has a higher mineral content than the mountain equivalent, so you may prefer to opt for bottled water instead.

Furthermore, while tap water in Austria is generally safe, it may vary in taste depending on the region. For example, one source mentions that the tap water in Graz has an unpleasant taste, while another claims that the tap water in Vienna is of a higher quality than that in areas north of the city. Therefore, if you are particular about the taste of your water, you may prefer to purchase bottled water, which will have a more consistent flavour.

Finally, while tap water in Austria is safe and widely available, there is a culture of drinking bottled water in the country. Austrians often buy vast quantities of mineral water, and you may feel more comfortable following local customs and purchasing bottled water during your stay.

In conclusion, while the tap water in Austria is generally safe and accessible, there are several reasons why you may prefer to buy bottled water in supermarkets. Bottled water can offer peace of mind, convenience, and a more consistent taste, especially if you are travelling throughout the country or have specific preferences regarding the flavour of your drinking water.

Tap water in Austria is strictly regulated and monitored

Austria's drinking water is subject to the stringent guidelines of the Austrian Drinking Water Ordinance, which sets out strict requirements for the quality and monitoring of drinking water. Drinking water suppliers must have their water tested at regular intervals by authorised persons or institutes. Over 10,000 drinking water samples are analysed each year for chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters.

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection coordinates the control and monitoring activities of the relevant bodies, which include the provincial governor and supervisory bodies. A "multi-annual risk-based control plan for drinking water" further contributes to the improvement of official drinking water monitoring. This control concept enables new potential hazards to be identified and appropriate countermeasures to be taken.

In addition to the regulations in the Drinking Water Ordinance, the marketing of drinking water is also regulated by the Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act (LMSVG). This Act places further requirements on the quality and monitoring of drinking water, and requires anyone providing drinking water to have it tested at regular intervals.

Overall, the strict regulations and comprehensive monitoring in Austria ensure that the country's tap water is safe to drink.

Austrians still buy bottled water

There are several reasons why Austrians might still opt for bottled water. Firstly, it is possible that they are unaware of the quality of their tap water. Despite the excellent reputation of Austria's tap water, some people may not trust it or assume that bottled water is safer. This perception of safety could be a significant factor in Austrians' purchasing decisions, even if it is not based on accurate information.

Secondly, convenience and taste preferences could play a role. While tap water in Austria is generally of high quality, there may be variations in taste or minor issues with water sources in specific regions or at certain times. Bottled water offers a consistent taste and the option of choosing between still and sparkling varieties, which may appeal to consumers. Additionally, the availability of bottled water in supermarkets and the convenience of purchasing it during regular grocery shopping trips cannot be overlooked.

Lastly, health and wellness trends could influence Austrians' choices. Bottled water companies often market their products by emphasizing health benefits, purity, and specific mineral compositions. This marketing strategy may attract health-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for perceived health advantages.

It is worth noting that the bottled water industry in Austria is expected to experience growth due to evolving health trends and consumers seeking healthier alternatives to soft drinks. This indicates that Austrians' preferences and purchasing behaviours are influenced by a combination of factors, including convenience, taste, health considerations, and marketing strategies employed by bottled water companies.

Frequently asked questions