Yes, you can safely drink the tap water in Poland without any special precautions.
Poland has upgraded its water infrastructure significantly in recent years. Municipal systems meet EU health standards, making tap water safe and widely consumed.
Quick Overview
Tap Water Concern: Our Advice Tap Water Drinkable? ✅ Yes, it’s safe to drink Common Risks: Minimal — high quality standards Brush Teeth? ✅ Yes, no concerns Wash Fruits/Vegetables? ✅ Yes, safe to use tap water Use Ice in Drinks? ✅ Yes, generally safe in restaurants Safe to Shower? ✅ Yes Filter Bottle Needed? ❌ No, not necessary
Verified through CDC and WHO data, along with reports from municipal water services.
Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle
We’ve taken a close look at dozens of travel water filter bottles—comparing them on filtration quality, traveler convenience, durability, and packability. The ones we recommend make it easy to drink safely from taps, fountains, or even rivers, without relying on disposable plastic or constantly buying bottled water. You’ll find our top selections just below, based on what actually works for real-world travelers.
Health Risks for Travelers
While the local tap water is considered safe by health authorities, every traveler’s digestive system reacts differently. What’s perfectly normal for residents may Even in countries with high water quality standards, the environment around you can influence your experience. Water from the tap may be safe to drink overall, but local conditions—like building age or plumbing—can still play a role.
Low-risk considerations for travelers:
- Rusty or outdated pipes in older accommodations
- Water that’s perfectly clean at the source but affected by local delivery systems
- Ice cubes or rinsed produce may be handled differently in casual eateries vs. hotels
- High mineral levels might cause temporary bloating or unfamiliar taste
- Sensitive travelers often opt for a filter bottle as a low-effort safety net
For most visitors, these risks are negligible, but awareness helps avoid unnecessary discomfort.
If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Poland, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.
More About Tap Water in Poland
Many Polish households use a filter pitcher at home—mainly due to taste preferences or concerns about aging pipes. In restaurants, bottled water is usually served by default. You often have to ask specifically for tap water, and even then, it might be considered unusual.
Cities like Warsaw and Kraków have modern treatment facilities using activated carbon and UV disinfection. In rural areas, people often rely on private wells with additional filtering systems.
In some regions, particularly in the south, tap water can have a slight iron taste. In older buildings, locals tend to let the tap run briefly before using the water.
FAQs About Tap Water in Poland
Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?
Unless you have an ultra-sensitive stomach, brushing with tap water here won’t be an issue.
Can I use tap water to wash my face?
There’s no need to avoid the tap—it’s safe for external and internal use.
Is it safe to use ice in drinks?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to consume ice here—it’s not a health risk.
Can I shower safely with tap water?
You can use it for showering, washing your hair, and everything else.
Want to avoid unknown minerals or chlorine while you’re abroad? A travel-size shower filter might be worth it. It attaches in seconds—unless the showerhead’s built into the wall, which unfortunately means you’re out of luck. Many travelers swear by this one. Click here to view the latest deal.
Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?
Absolutely—you can wash fruits and veggies just like you would at home.
Is bottled water expensive in Poland?
It’s reasonably priced, but the tap water is great, so you can skip it.
Poland is a popular Central European destination, commonly included in routes with Germany, the Czech Republic, or Ukraine. Be sure to look into drinking water safety for each leg of your trip.