Often in Europe when you sit down in a restaurant, you will be asked for your water preference.  Traveling from the US, you may not be used to this as most places simply place a glass of tap water on the table for you without even asking.  You may be asked if you prefer Still, Sparking or Tap.  If fact, you may only be asked if you prefer Still or Sparkling as there is an additional cost for these, but you can always request Tap water for free.

Know Your Water Types

• Still - Bottled water with no gas (noncarbonated, no bubbles)
• Sparkling - Bottled water with gas (carbonated, with bubbles)
• Tap - Water directly from the tab or faucet

Water Bottles (Eco Friendly)

Be sure to read our page on Water Bottles and working towards becoming more Eco Friendly: Water Bottles (Eco Friendly)

Water in Western Europe

Most places in Western Europe have potable tap water; meaning you can drink it directly from the tap.  In fact, at some loctions such as Rome Italy, you may drink water directly form city fountains.  So when in a restaurant, it should be safe to order tap water and save the additional expense of having to pay for bottled water.

Fountains Around Rome Italy

Bottled Water

If you are unsure about the quality of the water, don't take any chances.  Only drink bottled water.

Coming from the US, water may contain bacteria that our systems are not used to.  It may be fine for the locals to drink the water such as in India or Mexico, but the same water would make us sick.

Some of the most common side effects of drinking unsafe tap water include diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and even cholera.

If you will be ordering bottled water in a location where you know it is unsafe to drink the tap water, do not accept a bottle where the cap seal has already been broken.  Indicate that you want to open the bottle yourself to be sure it is still factory sealed.  In some locations (we experienced this in India), they will reuse bottles, refilling them with water from the tap and then put the cap back on.  Don't take a chance, do not drink water from a bottle unless you are the one who has broken the seal.

Other Things to Consider

If water is unsafe to drink, it means all water.  You should use caution and avoid getting any water in your mouth from the tap or faucet.

You cannot order soft drinks or other drinks containing ice

You cannot brush your teeth with tap water

Avoid eating fruit that was been rinsed with tap water

Never drink water from the faucets of trains or planes