πŸ‡¬πŸ‡· City β€” Greece

Can I Drink Tap Water in Athens?

Safe
3.9/5
Quick Answer
Athens tap water is generally safe to drink in normal conditions, with monitoring by EYDAP. Many travelers still choose bottled or filtered water for taste, especially in older buildings.
Athens tap water is generally considered safe for travelers, and EYDAP operates and monitors the metropolitan water supply. The main reasons visitors choose bottled water are usually taste, chlorine sensitivity, or uncertainty about building plumbing rather than citywide treatment quality. In typical hotels and restaurants, tap water, brushing teeth, and ice are generally acceptable.
Water Quality Details
Athens is supplied by EYDAP, which manages a large metropolitan water system and publishes utility information and data resources, including an open data portal. The city supply is treated and monitored, which supports a generally safe rating for travelers in normal operating conditions. Athens water comes from a broader regional system and can show noticeable differences in taste depending on treatment conditions, local distribution, and building plumbing. The practical caveat for visitors is that older buildings, internal plumbing, or building storage conditions may affect taste and confidence even when the utility supply is compliant. This is why many travelers and locals still use bottled water or carbon filters for drinking at home. For most short stays in reputable hotels and restaurants, Athens tap water is generally suitable for drinking, ice, and brushing teeth, with taste-based caution rather than a strong safety warning.
Water sourceMixed sources
TreatmentFlocculation, Filtration, Chlorination
HardnessModerate
TDS250 ppm
Taste rating3/5
Taste noteschlorine taste can be noticeable · taste varies by neighborhood and building plumbing · some travelers prefer bottled water for taste
Contaminant Data
Contaminant Measured Limit Status
Lead (old building plumbing, localized) β€” β€” OK
Residual chlorine β€” β€” OK
Turbidity (incident-related/localized) β€” β€” OK
Taste/odor complaints (distribution/building storage) β€” β€” OK
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe 🪧 Brushing teeth safe 🍽 Restaurant water safe 🔥 Boiling effective 💧 Filter recommended
  1. Athens tap water is generally safe, but taste can vary by area and building
  2. Use a carbon filter or bottled water if chlorine taste bothers you
  3. If staying in an older building, run cold water briefly before drinking
  4. Ice and restaurant water are generally fine in reputable venues
  5. Check local notices during rare maintenance disruptions
Bottled water~$0.7 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low Diarrhea risk: Low
Athens is usually a low-risk tap-water city for travelers. Most visitors can drink tap water in hotels and restaurants without issues, but if you are sensitive to chlorine taste or staying in an older building, bottled water or a simple filter can improve comfort. The decision is often about taste and trust, not a general citywide ban on tap water.
Most traveler concerns in Athens relate to taste and building plumbing rather than systemwide safety. Visitors used to very soft water may notice stronger chlorine or mineral taste.
  • Athens tap water is generally safe in normal conditions
  • If you are sensitive to taste, use a simple carbon filter or bottled water
  • In older buildings, flush cold water briefly before drinking
  • Check local notices if there is major maintenance or heat-related supply stress
Sources & References