Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Amsterdam, Netherlands ?
All in all, 70% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of Netherlands?
All in all, 81% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Amsterdam then?
What residents and travelers say
People living in and visiting Amsterdam generally report that the tap water tastes clean and fresh, with most locals happily drinking it straight from the faucet. However, some residents note slight variations in taste depending on the neighborhood and building, which often relates to the pipe materials or local plumbing systems rather than the water source itself. Travelers occasionally mention a mild chlorine or mineral taste but usually find it acceptable.
Use of water filters is common among households with older plumbing where small changes in taste or hardness are noticeable. Filters are less about safety—since Amsterdam’s water meets strict health standards—and more about personal preference for taste or removing minerals. It’s also popular for people to refill bottles at public fountains and establishments that encourage reducing plastic waste.
- Tap water in Amsterdam is widely regarded as safe and pleasant to drink by locals and tourists alike.
- Taste variations can occur by building or neighborhood, often linked to internal plumbing rather than the municipal supply.
- Many residents use water filters primarily to improve taste or soften water, not out of health concerns.
- Refilling bottles from public water sources is common practice, supporting sustainability efforts.
- Travelers sensitive to taste sometimes prefer bottled water but are generally comfortable with tap water once informed.
For official and up-to-date information on Amsterdam's water quality, it’s best to consult sources like Waternet (Municipal Water Utility Amsterdam) or the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport - Water Quality. These agencies provide detailed insights and monitoring results ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water.
Further reading on tap water in Amsterdam
To verify the quality of tap water in Amsterdam and check for any current advisories, start by visiting the official website of Waternet, the municipal water utility responsible for water supply in Amsterdam. They provide up-to-date water quality reports and alerts. Additionally, check the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport for national water safety standards and relevant advisories. You may also consult the European Union's water quality directives and the World Health Organization for broader context. Following Waternet's official social media channels can offer timely updates on any immediate issues affecting tap water quality.
- https://www.waternet.nl/en/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Waternet (Municipal Water Utility Amsterdam)
- https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-health-welfare-and-sport" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport - Water Quality
- https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-quality-and-monitoring_en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">European Union - Water Quality Directives
- https://www.who.int/health-topics/drinking-water" rel="noopener" target="_blank">World Health Organization - Drinking-water
- https://twitter.com/Waternet" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Waternet Twitter