Can I Drink Tap Water in Bologna?
Safe
Quick Answer
Tap water in Bologna is safe to drink and regulated under Italy’s national drinking water standards.
Bologna’s tap water is generally safe to drink under Italy standards. The supply is mainly a mix of surface and groundwater sources and is treated with chlorination, filtration, coagulation/flocculation, ozonation. Most visitors can drink from the tap; bottled water is optional for taste.
Rankings & Comparisons
Safety Overview
Global rank
#72 out of 152
Safety rating
4.2/5
Dataset average
3.8/5
Rank in Italy
#5 out of 7
Italy average
4.3/5
Water Quality Details
Bologna’s drinking water is supplied under Italy’s national standards and monitored by local utilities and health authorities. The system draws primarily from a mix of surface and groundwater sources and uses chlorination, filtration, coagulation/flocculation, ozonation before distribution through the city network.
Taste and mineral content can vary by neighborhood and building age, and the water is typically hard with an estimated TDS around 350 mg/L. If you notice a chlorine or mineral taste, chilling the water or using an activated carbon filter can improve flavor without affecting safety.
Water sourceMixed sources
TreatmentChlorination, Filtration, Flocculation, Ozonation
HardnessHard
TDS350 ppm
Taste rating4/5
Taste notesmineral-rich flavor from natural calcium and magnesium · slight chlorine taste in some urban areas · varies by region: softer in the north, harder in the south
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe
🪧 Brushing teeth safe
🍽 Restaurant water safe
🔥 Boiling effective
💧 No filter needed
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city
- In older buildings, let the tap run for 10–20 seconds before drinking
- Chill tap water to reduce any chlorine taste
- Use an activated carbon pitcher if you prefer a milder taste
- Carry a refillable bottle to avoid single-use plastics
- Ice is generally safe in reputable restaurants and hotels
Bottled water~$0.35 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low
Diarrhea risk: Low
Bologna tap water is safe for most travelers. You can drink, brush teeth, and use ice in reputable restaurants and hotels. If you have a sensitive stomach or dislike mineral taste, opt for filtered or bottled water.
Tap water is safe for all visitors. The mineral-rich composition may taste different from what you are used to, but this is not a health concern. Any digestive adjustment is brief and uncommon.
- No special precautions needed for most travelers
- High mineral content may cause temporary adjustment for those accustomed to soft water
- In rare remote rural areas, check local advisories before drinking from non-public sources
Sources & References
Official Report
Official Report
Data confidence: Medium
Last updated: 2026-02-24
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