What country has the worst tap water in the world?
There isn't one single country with the absolute "worst" tap water, but rather regions and nations where widespread contamination and lack of access to safe water are critical, with ** Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and Haiti** often cited for extremely poor, unsafe, or non-existent safely managed water supplies, especially in rural areas, due to poor infrastructure and sanitation. Many low-income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, struggle with contaminated water, leading to waterborne diseases.
In the 2021 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), the UK ranked 4th overall for water and sanitation. This index is an evaluation of 180 countries across 24 performance indicators, including water quality.
In summary, the tap water in the UK is classed as one of the safest and purest water supplies in the world. It is required by law to be fit for human consumption and UK water companies must test mains water for a reassuringly long list of micro-organisms and chemicals.
Out of all the countries measured under the EEA standards, which includes some non EU countries, Albania ranks the worst, with 22.9% of its bathing waters rated as poor.
A recent survey by Tapp Water ranked the best and worst areas in the UK for tap water taste. Scotland, Bristol, Leeds, Belfast, and Cardiff were rated as having the best-tasting water, while Norwich, Leicester, Southampton, London, and Birmingham ranked the worst.
While subjective, surveys and user opinions frequently name Scotland (especially Glasgow/Dundee) as having the UK's best tap water, followed by the South West (Bristol) and Yorkshire (Leeds), often due to softer water; conversely, areas like London, Birmingham, and Norwich are often cited for harder, less palatable water.
PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET ON WATER SAFETY What water is safe? Generally, British tap water is safe to drink. However, if your CD4 count is below 200, the safest option is to boil your drinking water (USPHS 1999). Boiling water is the most effective way of killing Cryptosporidium (www.epa.gov).
The minerals are present because of the geology of the landscape in the east of England. The ground contains rocks with a high chalk (calcium carbonate) content and this dissolves as water moves through it.
Water filters can improve the taste of water, the safety of water, or both. Test your water and choose a filter that removes the harmful germs or chemicals you are concerned about. If your tap water does not contain harmful germs or chemicals, you may not need a filter.
Similarly, although most of Europe is tap-water friendly, two prominent and popular exceptions are Russia and Ukraine. Drinking tap water is not advised anywhere in Ukraine, including the large cities.
Tap water sealed in an air-tight bottle or container can remain safe to drink for up to 6 months if stored properly. However, the type of container and how well it's sealed play a significant role in preserving the water, so this timing can differ greatly.
Is it better to drink tap water or bottled water in the UK?
For most people in the UK, tap water is generally as safe, if not safer, healthier, and definitely cheaper and more eco-friendly than bottled water, as UK tap water undergoes stricter, more frequent testing than bottled varieties, though taste preferences and older plumbing (like lead pipes) can be factors. While bottled water can offer specific minerals or better taste for some, it's often just treated tap water, adding plastic waste and cost without significant health advantages, and may even contain microplastics.
It's important to note that the federal government does not require bottled water to be safer than tap. In fact, just the opposite is true in many cases. Tap water in most big cities must be disinfected, filtered to remove pathogens, and tested for cryptosporidium and giardia viruses. Bottled water does not have to be.
A new study by AllClear has uncovered the world's best-tasting tap water, as voted by travellers on Reddit.
Scotland, Norway and Switzerland are home to the tastiest tap water in Europe, while Canada's British Columbia and the USA's New York City are most delicious in North America.
Your health department or a state-certified laboratory can also help you test your water. Find a nearby state-certified laboratory by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or checking the State Certified Drinking Water Laboratories list.
You don't need to filter tap water in the UK for safety, as it meets strict regulations and is generally excellent, but filtering can improve taste, smell (removing chlorine), reduce limescale in hard water areas, and offer peace of mind against trace contaminants like microplastics or pesticides, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many households.
