Can I Drink Tap Water in Montreal?
Safe
Quick Answer
Tap water in Montreal is safe to drink and regulated under Canada’s national drinking water standards.
Montreal’s tap water is generally safe to drink under Canada standards. The supply is mainly surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and is treated with filtration, chlorination, ozonation, UV treatment. Most visitors can drink from the tap; bottled water is optional for taste.
Rankings & Comparisons
Safety Overview
Global rank
#40 out of 152
Safety rating
4.8/5
Dataset average
3.8/5
Rank in Canada
#1 out of 3
Canada average
4.7/5
Water Quality Details
Montreal’s drinking water is supplied under Canada’s national standards and monitored by local utilities and health authorities. The system draws primarily from surface water (rivers and reservoirs) and uses filtration, chlorination, ozonation, UV treatment before distribution through the city network.
Taste and mineral content can vary by neighborhood and building age, and the water is typically moderate with an estimated TDS around 180 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 sourceSurface water
TreatmentFiltration, Chlorination, Ozonation, UV Treatment
HardnessModerate
TDS180 ppm
Taste rating4/5
Taste notesgenerally high-quality municipal taste · regional mineral variation · older building plumbing can affect taste
Contaminant Data
Practical Tips
🧊 Ice is safe
🪧 Brushing teeth safe
🍽 Restaurant water safe
🔥 Boiling not needed
💧 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~$1.4 USD (Everywhere)
Traveler Advice
Risk level: Low
Diarrhea risk: Low
Montreal 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.
Most travelers can use tap water across Canada without health issues; practical concerns are usually building-specific and taste-related.
- Canada tap water is generally safe in normal conditions
- If staying in a very old building, flush cold water briefly before drinking
- Use only cold tap water for drinking/cooking in older properties
Sources & References
Government
Government
Data confidence: Medium
Last updated: 2026-02-24
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