Is tap water in Germany safe to drink? A traveller's guide

This is intended to serve as a general guide. Always check with official sources for the latest government and health advice.

Opting for tap water is often the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while traveling. But when you're in a new country, knowing if the tap water is safe is crucial to avoid any unexpected health risks. If you're headed to Germany, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why Germany’s tap water is safe, and detail its quality to help you prepare for your trip. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a useful travel companion to help you save on spending during your time there.

Is tap water safe to drink in Germany?

Yes, tap water in Germany is generally safe to drink according to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety in Germany.¹ It adheres to strict national and EU regulations, including the latest Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV).¹

While some residents may still choose bottled water, this is typically for personal taste or preference rather than a concern about safety. As a practical tip, always check if your specific tap is safe for drinking. Although the public water supply is reliable, older building plumbing or other disruptions could affect the water quality.

Understanding Germany's water quality

The primary official government authorities responsible for tap water quality and regulation include the Federal Ministry for Health (BMG) and the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA).⁴ They oversee the implementation of the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV), which sets strict limits for over 50 parameters, ensuring the water meets high quality benchmarks.^2,3

Sources of Germany's tap water

Germany's tap water supply predominantly comes from groundwater, which accounts for approximately 70% of the total supply, with the remainder from surface water.⁴ This high reliance on naturally filtered groundwater is greater than in many other EU countries. The water undergoes treatment processes including filtration and membrane technology.⁵

Mineral content and taste of Germany's tap water

Germany's tap water is predominantly classified as hard, and the hardness is a result of the water's journey through geological layers, such as limestone, which naturally enriches it with minerals. The taste profile is often described as rich and refreshing due to this natural mineral content. The presence of a chlorine taste is rare, as many water utilities minimise or avoid chemical disinfection because of the high natural purity of their groundwater sources, which account for over two-thirds of the public supply.

Heading to Germany? Maximise your EUR spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in Germany. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally, be it on bottled water, food or shopping. You can spend in 150+ countries, including Germany, at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're in Germany. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to EUR. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Do I need to boil tap water in Germany to make it safe?

No, boiling tap water in Germany is not necessary. It is generally safe and drinkable without boiling, as it is subject to strict quality controls that ensure its safety.¹

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ between German regions?

The taste and quality can vary based on the mineral content of the local water source. Water is typically harder in regions with limestone and chalk geology, which can influence its taste.

Is the ice served in restaurants and bars in Germany safe to consume?

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars is generally safe to consume, as it is made from the same public water supply that is deemed safe to drink.¹

Why do some people in Germany use water filters if the tap water is safe?

Some people use water filters primarily for personal taste preference, as a subtle mineral taste can be noticeable in hard water areas.