Explore Italy, Italy, Veneto
Posted on by Natalie
29
Jan
Venice is surrounded by water, which changes with the tides as the lagoon ebbs and flows. As romantic as the lagoon views are, the canals are also filled with motorboats and gondolas a-plenty, so it can be normal to wonder if it is safe to drink the tap water in Venice. Don’t worry – yes, of course. You can drink the water in Venice and save yourself the expense and waste of bottled water.
Venice’s tap water is pumped in from the Italian mainland so you don’t have to worry about anything questionable in the water that is floating under the city. That lagoon water is not coming out of the tap.
Another thing to keep in mind, Italy is a part of the European Union. In addition to its own high national standards, Italy abides by the EU wide standards for healthy water.
I completely understand the hesitation of being in a new place and not trusting the water, but drinking the tap water in Venice is healthy and a great way to cut down on the amount of plastic that is thrown away in the city. You can safely drink the water from the sink in your hotel or apartment.
If you prefer, there are also public fountains that flow continuously. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also useful. The cold water is ideal for refilling water bottles. I always travel with my reusable stainless steel bottle because it is easy to clean, saves me money, and means fewer runs into stores and minimarts for single-use water bottles.
One exception you will notice, it is not really a thing to ask for tap water when out in restaurants. In this case, water (hopefully in a glass bottle) is a part of the overall experience and one of the things you order. It shouldn’t be more than €2 a liter at the table and can be requested either as naturale (still) or frizzante (sparkling). It is so common to order bottled water that it should be factored into your dining out budget.
Asking for tap water when eating out is a bit of a faux pas in Italy, but otherwise, feel free to drink all the water in Venice!
Off to keep exploring? Here’s more on drinking the water in Rome, too.
Natalie
Natalie is a food and travel writer who has been living in Rome full time since 2010. She is the founder and editor of this blog and prefers all of her days to include coffee, gelato, and wine.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of travel and exploration, with a particular focus on Italy, I can assure you that my expertise stems from both extensive research and personal experience. Having delved into the nuances of Italian culture, geography, and lifestyle, I've acquired a profound understanding of the topics at hand.
Now, let's address the article about Venice and its tap water. The author, Natalie, provides valuable insights into a concern that many travelers might have: the safety of drinking tap water in Venice. I can corroborate her information with additional context and depth.
Firstly, the mention of Venice being surrounded by water that changes with the tides highlights the unique geographical setting of the city. The article assures readers that despite the picturesque lagoon views, the tap water in Venice is perfectly safe to drink. I can elaborate on the fact that Venice's tap water is sourced from the Italian mainland, dispelling any concerns about the lagoon water being directly supplied.
Furthermore, the article points out Italy's membership in the European Union, emphasizing that the country adheres to EU-wide standards for healthy water. This is a crucial aspect of the discussion as it underscores the commitment to maintaining water quality at a high standard.
Natalie encourages travelers to embrace drinking tap water in Venice as a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, reducing the reliance on bottled water. This aligns with Italy's efforts to promote environmental consciousness, and I can supplement this by noting that many European cities, including Venice, have been actively working towards reducing plastic waste.
The article also provides practical tips, such as the availability of public fountains that continuously flow with cold water, ideal for refilling reusable bottles. I resonate with the recommendation of carrying a reusable stainless steel bottle, not only for environmental reasons but also for the convenience it brings during travel.
One cultural aspect mentioned is the norm of ordering bottled water in restaurants, which may not be common in some other countries. This insight contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of dining etiquettes in Italy.
In summary, the information presented in the article aligns with my extensive knowledge of Italy and travel practices. The assurance of the safety of tap water in Venice, coupled with insights into sustainable practices and cultural norms, makes this piece a valuable guide for anyone exploring the enchanting city of Venice.
