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.
I'm an avid traveler and enthusiast with a profound knowledge of Italy, particularly its cultural nuances, and practical insights into daily life. I have explored the intricate details of Italian cities, understanding not only the historical and architectural aspects but also the day-to-day considerations that travelers might encounter. My expertise extends to the essential topic of water safety, especially in iconic cities like Venice.
In the article "Explore Italy, Italy, Veneto," Natalie touches upon a crucial aspect of travel – the safety of tap water in Venice. I appreciate her attention to detail, but as an expert, I would like to further emphasize and provide additional insights into the concepts mentioned.
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Venice's Water Source: Natalie rightly points out that Venice is surrounded by water, but it's crucial to note that the tap water in Venice is not sourced from the lagoon but is pumped in from the Italian mainland. This is a testament to the city's commitment to providing safe and reliable drinking water to its residents and visitors.
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Water Quality Standards: The mention of Italy being a part of the European Union is significant. In addition to Italy's own high national standards, the country adheres to EU-wide standards for healthy water. This dual commitment ensures that the tap water in Venice meets rigorous quality criteria, making it safe for consumption.
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Environmental Considerations: Natalie touches upon the environmental impact of drinking tap water, emphasizing the reduction of plastic waste. As an enthusiast with an eye on sustainability, I would further highlight the availability of public fountains in Venice. These not only add to the city's beauty but also offer a sustainable option for refilling reusable water bottles.
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Dining Etiquette: Natalie mentions the cultural aspect of ordering water in restaurants. It's crucial for travelers to understand that in Italy, asking for tap water in a restaurant might be considered unconventional. Bottled water is often part of the dining experience and is reasonably priced. Understanding this cultural nuance can enhance the overall enjoyment of dining in Italy.
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Alternative Travel Tips: The mention of using reusable stainless steel bottles and the convenience of public fountains aligns with sustainable travel practices. As an expert, I would further encourage travelers to adopt such eco-friendly habits, not only in Venice but throughout Italy.
In conclusion, exploring Italy involves not only appreciating its rich history and breathtaking landscapes but also understanding the practical aspects of daily life, such as the safety of tap water. My in-depth knowledge of Italy allows me to provide valuable insights that go beyond the surface, ensuring a safe and enriching travel experience.
