Can I Drink Tap Water in Amsterdam?
Safe
Quick Answer
Amsterdam tap water is safe to drink and is among the best-rated municipal water supplies in Europe. Waternet publishes water quality data and notes that chlorine and fluoride are not added to Amsterdam drinking water.
Amsterdam tap water is widely considered excellent and is safe for direct drinking. Waternet publishes consumer-facing water quality information showing values such as pH, hardness, and sodium, and explicitly notes that chlorine and fluoride are not added to Amsterdam drinking water. The result is a clean taste and high traveler confidence for tap water, ice, and restaurant service across the city.
Water Quality Details
Amsterdam has a strong reputation for tap water quality, and official Waternet pages support that reputation with clear consumer information. Waternet publishes local water quality data, including values such as pH, hardness, and sodium, and explicitly states that chlorine and fluoride are not added to Amsterdam drinking water. That explains why many residents and visitors notice a cleaner taste compared with chlorinated supplies in other major cities.
For travelers, Amsterdam is a low-risk city for direct tap-water consumption in hotels, restaurants, and rentals. Water quality is generally consistent, and bottled water is more of a convenience purchase than a safety necessity. As always, a specific building issue (stagnation in old pipes, temporary maintenance work) can affect one tap, but city-wide conditions support a strong safe rating for drinking, brushing teeth, and accepting ice in normal hospitality settings.
Water sourceSurface water
TreatmentFiltration, UV Treatment, Ozonation
HardnessModerate
TDS130 ppm
Taste rating5/5
Taste notesvery clean taste and widely preferred by residents · no chlorine taste because chlorine is not added by Waternet · slightly mineral but smooth profile
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe
🪧 Brushing teeth safe
🍽 Restaurant water safe
🔥 Boiling effective
💧 No filter needed
- Drink Amsterdam tap water directly; no routine filtering is needed
- Carry a reusable bottle because tap water quality is excellent for refilling
- If staying in an older building, run the tap briefly after long non-use
- Restaurant tap water and ice are generally safe
- Bottled water is optional and mainly for convenience
Bottled water~$1 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low
Diarrhea risk: Low
Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities in Europe for tap water. You can drink directly from the tap in hotels and apartments, use tap water for brushing teeth, and accept ice in restaurants without concern. Waternet publishes quality information, and the city's water is known for its clean taste. Unless a property reports a local plumbing problem, bottled water is not needed for safety.
Amsterdam tap water is considered excellent and is commonly preferred over bottled water by residents. Most travelers can drink it immediately without issue.
- Amsterdam tap water is safe to drink directly
- Use a reusable bottle because the city is well suited for refills
- No filter is usually needed unless you prefer a different taste
Sources & References
Government
Travel Advisory
Data confidence: High
Last updated: 2026-02-23