Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Krakow, Poland ?
All in all, 89% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of Poland?
All in all, 51% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Krakow then?
What residents and travelers say
In Krakow, many residents and visitors share a generally positive experience with tap water, often describing it as safe and adequate for drinking straight from the tap. However, there is some variation depending on the building and neighborhood. Older buildings or areas with aging plumbing sometimes cause concerns about taste or slight discoloration, leading some locals to prefer using household water filters. Many travelers report drinking bottled water out of habit, though locals tend to drink tap water regularly, especially when it comes directly from municipal sources.
Some visitors mention a slightly mineral taste typical of Krakow’s water, which comes from protected underground sources and undergoes rigorous treatment. While tap water is officially safe, many choose to use simple filter pitchers or water filter taps to improve taste and clarity. This habit appears more common in older residences or certain districts with older infrastructure. In contrast, newer apartments and hotels tend to provide good-quality tap water with minimal need for filtering.
Refilling water bottles from public fountains or taps in Krakow is generally well accepted, but again varies locally. Travelers advise checking specific location signage and consider sanitation norms. Overall, the municipal water system performs well, but anecdotal experiences highlight the influence of individual building plumbing on taste and clarity.
- Tap water is broadly considered safe and drinkable by locals in Krakow with occasional taste variations.
- Use of filters is common in older buildings to improve taste and remove minor impurities.
- Many travelers opt for bottled water due to unfamiliarity or preference, not safety concerns.
- Mineral taste is noticeable but often considered pleasant or neutral by residents.
- Public water refill points are available but should be used with awareness of local hygiene signs.
- Building-level plumbing can impact water taste and appearance, leading to some variability.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information on Krakow’s tap water quality, residents and visitors should consult official sources such as the MPWiK Kraków (Krakow Waterworks Company), the Małopolska Voivodeship Sanitary Inspectorate, and the Polish Ministry of Health. These institutions provide detailed water quality reports and advisories that can help you make informed decisions regarding drinking water safety during your stay or residence in Krakow.
Further reading on tap water in Krakow
To verify the quality and safety of tap water in Krakow, always consult official sources first. Check the official website of the Krakow Waterworks Company (MPWiK Kraków) for real-time water quality reports and any advisories. Additionally, the Małopolska Voivodeship Sanitary Inspection website provides regional water safety information. National updates can be found on the Polish Ministry of Health and the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate websites. For international standards and alerts, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union water directives online. Official social media channels of MPWiK Kraków can offer timely notices during incidents or maintenance works.
- https://www.mpwik.krakow.pl" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MPWiK Kraków (Krakow Waterworks Company)
- https://malopolska.pis.gov.pl" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Małopolska Voivodeship Sanitary Inspectorate
- https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Polish Ministry of Health
- https://www.gis.gov.pl" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS)
- https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/water-sanitation-and-health" rel="noopener" target="_blank">World Health Organization (WHO) Water Quality
- https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/index_en.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">European Union Water Directive Information