Can I Drink Tap Water in Austria?
Safe
Quick Answer
Tap water in Austria is safe to drink and is generally excellent. Travelers can normally drink tap water nationwide and use it for ice and brushing teeth without concern.
Austria is a tap-water-safe destination with very high service quality and extensive regulated coverage. World Bank 2024 estimates show about 98.9% safely managed drinking water services and effectively 100% basic drinking water access. For travelers, tap water is normally a safe and convenient default throughout the country.
Water Quality Details
Austria is known for high-quality drinking water systems, including widespread use of protected groundwater and mountain sources, strong regulation, and regular monitoring. The World Bank API reports about 98.9% safely managed drinking water services and essentially 100% basic drinking water access in 2024, which supports a high-confidence safe rating. As in other European countries, the main caveat is localized building plumbing: old internal pipes can affect taste or introduce lead risk in rare cases, but this is not a general countrywide issue. Most travelers can safely rely on tap water in hotels, restaurants, and private accommodations.
Water sourceGroundwater
TreatmentFiltration, UV Treatment, Chlorination
HardnessModerate
TDS220 ppm
Taste rating5/5
Taste notesclean alpine taste · mineral variation by region · often excellent in mountain-fed systems
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe
🪧 Brushing teeth safe
🍽 Restaurant water safe
🔥 Boiling not needed
💧 No filter needed
- Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Austria
- Use tap water for ice and brushing teeth without special precautions
- Carry a reusable bottle and refill it during travel
- If staying in a very old building, let water run briefly before use
- Bottled water is optional and mostly a taste preference
Bottled water~$1.1 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low
Diarrhea risk: Low
Austria is one of the easier destinations for water planning because tap water is generally safe and widely trusted. Bottled water is easy to find, but most travelers do not need it for health reasons. If you are in an unusually old building and concerned about plumbing, let the cold water run briefly before drinking.
Travelers usually experience only taste differences by region; Austria tap water is generally safe and reliable.
- Tap water is generally safe across Austria
- Use normal travel food hygiene precautions
- Refill reusable bottles from tap water in hotels and restaurants
- Only check local notices during rare maintenance events
Health Warnings
⚠ Health Warnings
- No major countrywide tap-water health warning under normal conditions
Sources & References
Government
Data confidence: High
Last updated: 2026-02-23
Cities in Austria