If you’re planning a trip to Venice, a question visitors and travelers often ask is: Is Venice’s tap water safe to drink? In a city surrounded by canals and full of winding alleyways, knowing where to get safe, clean water might seem confusing. Luckily, Venice’s water system is modern, well-managed, and makes staying hydrated very easy.
For a helpful Venice introduction, check out this trusty Venice travel page.
Is Venice’s Tap Water Safe?
The quick answer is yes, Venice tap water is completely safe to drink. All water from taps in homes, hotels, bars, and the city’s public fountains is high quality and follows strict European standards. The water is constantly tested by Veritas, the city’s official municipal water utility, and health agencies regularly check it too.
Where Does Venice’s Tap Water Come From?
Despite being built on water, Venice’s drinking water doesn’t come from its lagoon or canals. Instead, it comes from deep underground aquifers located between Venice, Padua, and Treviso. These wells reach as deep as 300 meters. A smaller amount is drawn from rivers like the Adige, Sile, and Livenza and then treated at places such as the Ca’ Solaro plant before entering the city’s pipes. The network is closely monitored for quality every step of the way.
What About Taste and Quality?
Venice’s water is classified as potabile (safe to drink). Recent tests show the city’s water is quite hard (at about 27 °f) with a very low level of chlorine—about 0.23 mg/l. If you’re sensitive to the taste, you can let the water sit in an open bottle or carafe for a minute and most of the chlorine taste will fade. Most Venetians and regular visitors drink the tap water daily without any issue.
Your Quick Guide to Drinking Water in Venice
- Public fountains: There are over 180 public drinking fountains (called fontanelle) in Venice and on the islands. They are all connected to the city’s safe water system.
- Finding fountains: Use the official Venice fountain map or the “Venice Tap Water” app to find the nearest working fontanella.
- At restaurants: Ask for “acqua del rubinetto” (tap water) or “acqua in caraffa” (water in a jug). Be aware that many places may charge a small fee for serving tap water and may offer micro-filtered water.
- Signs: Italy is clear about what’s safe. If you see a sign that says “acqua non potabile,” do not drink from that tap.
- Taste tip: If you notice chlorine, just wait a few minutes. The taste usually improves.
How Many Public Drinking Fountains Are in Venice?
Venice has about 180 to 190 public drinking fountains throughout the historic center and the islands. You’ll find these fontanelle in main squares, side streets, and all around the city’s neighborhoods. Their number might change slightly depending on maintenance work.
You can view an updated list of public fountain locations on the Veritas fountain map.
All city fountains (unless they’re being worked on) are fully safe and give you the same water you’d find at your hotel or rental. If a fountain isn’t safe, there will always be a clear “acqua non potabile” sign.
Why Choose Tap Water?
- Save money: Buying a bottle adds up quickly, especially in tourist areas. Venice’s tap water costs less than a cent per liter—literally €0.0015 per liter by city estimates.
- Cut plastic waste: Every refill helps Venice fight back against pollution and protect the lagoon.
- Stay flexible: With fountains everywhere and safe tap water in every room, you can always refill without worrying where to buy drinks.
- Support sustainability: Venice encourages both residents and travelers to use tap water to lower waste and environmental stress.
Bottled Water & Local Customs
Many Venetians still buy bottled water, usually because of local habits and taste preference. When you sit at a restaurant, bottled water (sparkling or still) might be offered by default. If you want tap water, ask politely for “acqua del rubinetto” or “acqua in caraffa.” There is no law in Italy forcing places to serve it for free, so some might charge a small fee or only provide filtered tap water.
Water Fountain Etiquette & Tips
- Always bring a reusable bottle to refill while exploring Venice.
- Do not let your mouth or lips touch the fountain spout. Fill your bottle or cup instead.
- Sometimes fountains are closed for repairs; check the map before heading out.
- If you see “acqua non potabile,” do not drink from that source. There is always another fountain nearby.
Venice’s Water: Science, Savings, and Sustainability
Most of Venice’s drinking water comes from deep underground wells, treated at modern plants like Ca’ Solaro. That treatment and constant testing mean it is always fresh, safe, and reliable—often higher in quality than bottled water. Choosing the tap helps the whole city cut down on thousands of single-use bottles every day.
On top of the environmental benefits, filling up your own bottle is a great way to keep travel expenses low without giving up quality.
What If I’m Sensitive or Have a Medical Condition?
The vast majority of travelers experience no trouble drinking tap water in Venice. However, if you’re especially sensitive or have known medical issues related to water, it’s smart to check with your doctor before any trip abroad. You can always use bottled water if you wish, but Venetian tap water is safe for brushing teeth and personal use everywhere in the city.
FAQs: Venice Tap Water
- Do hotels and apartments use the same water? Yes, all accommodation types use the city system.
- Is tap water always reliable? Yes, unless there is a rare maintenance event (in which case there will be a posted “acqua non potabile” sign).
- Can I brush my teeth with tap water? Absolutely.
- How do I buy public transport or museum tickets? Use only official outlets:
- Venezia Unica – official city and museum passes
- ACTV Official Website – vaporetto (water bus) tickets
- Palazzo Ducale – Doge’s Palace tickets
Bringing your reusable bottle and drinking Venice’s fresh tap water helps you save money, stay hydrated, and support a more sustainable city. Fountains and taps are safe, easy to find, and a great part of your local adventure. For more tips on planning your route in Venice and practical info, visit this Venice travel page.