Can I Drink Tap Water in Australia?

Australia is a tap-water-safe destination with highly regulated municipal systems and widespread service coverage. The World Bank API reports about 100% basic drinking water access in 2024, though the same API does not currently return a recent safely managed drinking water value for Australia. National water quality frameworks and local utility monitoring support a strong safe rating for most travelers.

Australia operates mature drinking water systems with regular monitoring, treatment, and incident management across states and territories. Tap water is generally safe in major cities and most towns, and travelers typically do not need bottled water for health reasons. The main exceptions are situational: temporary advisories during floods, bushfire impacts, pipe breaks, or contamination events, plus private rainwater tanks or untreated sources at remote properties and camps. Because the World Bank API series used here does not currently return a recent safely managed drinking water value for Australia, the rating uses high basic-access coverage plus national framework evidence and travel health guidance, with medium confidence rather than high.

In Australia, tap water is normally safe and reliable, so bottled water is usually a preference rather than a health necessity. Pay attention to local advisories if you are traveling through flood-affected or remote areas, and ask about the water source if staying in rural cabins or properties using private tanks.