Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in London, United Kingdom ?
All in all, 64% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of United Kingdom?
All in all, 69% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in London then?
What residents and travelers say
London's tap water generally receives favorable comments from both locals and visitors, though opinions vary noticeably depending on the area within the city. Many residents appreciate the water's mineral content, noting a distinct taste that some describe as slightly chalky or hard due to London’s use of chalk aquifers as a water source. This mineral presence contributes to the water's hardness, which can influence taste and build-up in kettles and pipes.
Travelers often find the water safe and palatable but report slight differences depending on the building or neighborhood. In newer developments, water filtration systems or softened water may be common, improving taste but sometimes leading to a perception of 'flatness' compared to traditional tap water. Conversely, some older buildings with aged plumbing might experience occasional metallic or earthy tastes, prompting residents to sometimes rely on tap filters or bottled water out of convenience or preference rather than safety concerns.
Though locals overwhelmingly drink directly from the tap, it's not uncommon to see filters installed in households with plumbing older than 20 years or in areas closer to the Thames where water treatment variations might occur. Many travelers and long-term residents also find carrying refillable bottles practical, utilizing London's many water fountains and refill stations, a habit encouraged for environmental reasons.
- Taste varies from mildly chalky or hard in many areas to softer and sometimes flatter in filtered or soft water supplied buildings.
- Most Londoners drink tap water without filtering, though some use in-line filters to address taste issues or plumbing age.
- Refilling from taps and public fountains is widely practiced; many find the tap water safe and convenient.
- Older buildings may experience slight taste or odor variations due to aging pipes, but this is uncommon and usually not a health issue.
- Areas near major water sources like the Thames may prompt occasional service advisories or maintenance but generally maintain safe standards.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information on water quality and safety in London, including any localized advisories, it's best to consult Thames Water, the UK Environment Agency, or the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Following these official sources helps ensure awareness of both general quality reports and any specific issues that might affect certain neighborhoods or buildings. Additionally, Thames Water's Twitter feed is useful for updates on emergency advisories or maintenance notices affecting water supply.
Further reading on tap water in London
To verify the quality of tap water in London and stay updated on any advisories, first visit Thames Water's official website, the primary water supplier for London. Additionally, the local health department and the UK Environment Agency provide important information and updates. For broader guidelines, check the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the World Health Organization websites. Londoners can also follow Thames Water's official social media accounts for real-time notifications on water quality and service disruptions.
- https://www.thameswater.co.uk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Thames Water
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency" rel="noopener" target="_blank">UK Environment Agency
- https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health" rel="noopener" target="_blank">World Health Organization (WHO)
- https://twitter.com/ThamesWater" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Thames Water Twitter