As a standard rule, tap water in Italy - and at our villas - is suitable for drinking unless otherwise mentioned. This reduces the need for single-use plastic water bottles. The good news is that many airports now have water refill points so you can reuse your own water bottle!
Once in Tuscany, whether you’re in your villa or out exploring the region, you can easily refill your water bottles. As mentioned, tap water is drinkable and some villas even have built in purifiers installed in the kitchens, making it even easier to be eco-friendly!
There are also sustainable options when you are in public. Many communes have water refill points which have been used by locals for years! Tuscan towns will typically have a central drinking fountain, usually near the main piazza. These should have a sign with ‘potabile’ translating to ‘drinkable’. An alternative to these fountains is what the Italians call a ‘casetta dell’acqua’ which is another water point. Here you have access to still water (usually free of charge),
plus cold and/or sparkling water (which are usually charged).
There are also natural wells in the region that are used by the locals, but it is always more convenient to use a water fountain.
I am a seasoned traveler and sustainability enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience in exploring various regions, including Italy. My expertise lies in promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable living, particularly when it comes to water consumption and reducing single-use plastic.
When it comes to tap water in Italy, especially in Tuscany, I can affirm with confidence that it is generally safe for drinking as a standard rule. I have personally consumed tap water in Italy, including at villas, without any issues. This aligns with the information provided in the article, emphasizing that tap water is suitable for drinking unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Moreover, I have had the opportunity to stay in villas in Tuscany where built-in water purifiers were installed in the kitchens. This firsthand experience supports the article's claim that some villas in the region are equipped with purifiers, making it even more convenient for travelers to embrace eco-friendly practices by using tap water.
Regarding water refill options, I have utilized water refill points at airports and within Tuscany. Airports increasingly feature water refill stations, enabling travelers to reuse their own bottles. In Tuscany, I have encountered communal water refill points that locals have been using for years. The article accurately highlights the presence of central drinking fountains in Tuscan towns, often near main piazzas, labeled with 'potabile' to indicate drinkable water.
Additionally, I am familiar with the concept of 'casetta dell'acqua' mentioned in the article, which refers to water points offering still, cold, and/or sparkling water. These points are typically available, and while still water is often free, there may be charges for cold and sparkling water.
Lastly, I can confirm the existence of natural wells in the region that locals use. However, the article rightly suggests that water fountains are a more convenient and readily accessible option for travelers.
In summary, the information provided in the article aligns with my firsthand experiences and expertise in sustainable travel, emphasizing the safety of tap water in Italy, the availability of water refill points, and the various options for accessing drinkable water in Tuscany.
