Is tap water safe to drink in the USA? 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 the United States, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why the US’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 the USA?

Yes, tap water in the United States is generally safe to drink according to the United States Environment Protection Agency.¹ In the U.S, nine out of ten people get their tap water from a public water system, and these systems are required to meet safe water standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act.² The quality of public water supplies is consistently monitored and regulated, with over 90% of the nation's community water systems in compliance with all published EPA standards as of 2016.¹

While the tap water is safe in the vast majority of the country, localised issues can occur, such as those related to aging lead pipes. Additionally, it is important to note that federal regulations do not cover private wells, and the responsibility for ensuring the safety of water from these sources lies with the owner.

Understanding the US's water quality

The primary federal law that ensures the quality of Americans' drinking water is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Under this act, the EPA sets and enforces national standards for drinking water quality in public water systems.² The EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) identify maximum contaminant levels or treatment techniques for over 90 contaminants, including microorganisms, disinfectants, and various chemicals.¹

Enforcement of these standards is often carried out by state governments and their health agencies. Local public water systems are required to provide an annual water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report, which details where the water comes from, what contaminants are in it, and at what levels.³

Sources of the US's tap water

The tap water supply in the United States comes from two main sources: surface water, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and groundwater from aquifers. According to the US Geological Survey, about 70% of the nation’s freshwater use comes from surface water, while the remaining 30% is drawn from groundwater.⁴ The reliance on each source varies significantly by region—for example, the Potomac River watershed provides drinking water for millions of people in the eastern US.

The raw water undergoes a multi-step treatment process to make it safe for consumption. This typically includes a sequence of chemical coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration to remove particles and other impurities. Disinfection is a critical final step, primarily using chlorination, to kill disease-causing germs and ensure the water remains safe as it travels through the distribution network.⁵

Mineral content and taste of the US's tap water

Mineral content and hardness in US tap water vary widely across regions, owing largely to local geology. According to the US Geological Survey, regions with high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium, classified as “hard” (121–180 mg/L CaCO₃) or “very hard” (>180 mg/L), are common in areas where mineral-bearing rocks like limestone and gypsum predominate, such as parts of the Midwest, Southwest, and Florida. Meanwhile, parts of the Pacific Northwest and New England tend to supply softer water, often due to different geologic substrates. While the EPA does not regulate hardness, it recognizes the need for water softeners in hard-water regions, as these minerals can cause scale buildup and reduce cleaning efficiency.⁷

Heading to the US? Maximise your USD spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in the USA. 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 the US, 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 the US. 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 USD. 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 the US to make it safe?

Boiling is not necessary under normal circumstances as tap water is generally safe to drink directly. However, local authorities may issue "boil water" advisories if there is a risk of harmful microorganisms in the water.¹

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ within the US?

The taste and quality of water can vary significantly by region due to different water sources and mineral content. A chlorine or mineral taste may be present depending on the local supply.⁷

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

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars is generally safe to consume, as it is made from the public water supply, which is subject to the same quality standards as the tap water.¹ For extra peace of mind, you can always politely ask the staff about their water source or if they use filtered water for their ice.

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

Some people use water filters to address personal taste preferences, such as removing a chlorine taste, or to reduce contaminants that may be present due to aging pipes or other factors.¹