Tap water in Lithuania is generally not safe to drink, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local conditions.
Lithuania’s older buildings and regional infrastructure can affect water quality, especially for travelers unfamiliar with local mineral content or treatment inconsistencies.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ❌ No, use bottled water Common Risks: Bacteria, parasites, viruses Brush Teeth? ❌ No, use bottled water Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ❌ No, use filtered or bottled water Use Ice in Drinks? ❌ No, avoid unless purified Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ✅ Strongly recommended
Verified through CDC and WHO data, along with reports from municipal water services.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
If you’d rather not take chances with the tap water, a filter bottle is a smart and affordable solution. We don’t sell these ourselves, but we’ve reviewed the most effective and traveler-approved options to help you stay safe, reduce plastic use, and avoid unnecessary bottled water costs—scroll down to see which ones we recommend.
Health Risks for Travelers
Locals might drink the tap water every day without a second thought, but for travelers, it’s a different story. Your body isn’t used to the bacteria or water treatment systems, which can lead to a not-so-fun experience.
What you could be dealing with:
- E. coli and other bacteria causing traveler’s diarrhea
- Parasites like Giardia from untreated or poorly filtered water
- Hepatitis A or norovirus picked up in areas with poor sanitation
- Even heavy metals if the pipes are outdated or the source is unregulated
Problem spots include:
- Remote villages and rural zones
- Places where floods disrupt the water supply
- Older hotels or buildings using rooftop tanks or old plumbing
Bottom line: clean-looking water isn’t always clean. When you’re abroad, it’s smart to stay alert to water quality and protect yourself from getting sick.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Lithuania, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Lithuania
Lithuania has made major progress in providing safe water and sanitation—about 95% of the population uses safely managed services. However, a recent audit by the National Audit Office revealed that around 17,000 people receive centrally supplied water each year that exceeds safe limits for toxic chemical substances.
FAQs About Tap Water in Lithuania
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Many travelers prefer to brush with bottled water just to avoid any chance of waterborne illness.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
Tap water should be fine for external use like washing your face—just avoid contact with your mouth or open wounds.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Unless you know the ice was made from purified water, it’s best to skip it—most ice is made from tap water.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
Many travelers shower without concern, as long as they avoid ingesting any of the water.
Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A compact shower filter can help protect your skin and hair from harsh water. Just double-check that the showerhead isn’t built into the wall—those can’t be fitted with a filter. According to most travelers, this shower filter is the best pick. Click here to check the best price.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Contaminated tap water can linger on produce, so use safe water to avoid getting sick.
Is bottled water expensive in Lithuania?
Bottled water is usually affordable in Lithuania, though prices may be higher in tourist areas.
Lithuania is commonly visited with nearby Latvia, Poland, or Belarus, especially on road trips through the Baltics or Eastern Europe. Tap water infrastructure may differ between cities.