City in Scotland, United Kingdom
Can you drink tap water in Edinburgh?
YesYes, drinkable
Can you drink the tap water in Edinburgh?
Tap water is safe to drink. Safe and soft, among the UK's best tap water. Free refills in cafés and pubs.
Key facts
- In Edinburgh: Safe and soft, among the UK's best tap water. Free refills in cafés and pubs.
- Across United Kingdom: Safe everywhere. Pubs and restaurants serving alcohol must give free tap water on request; refill points are common in cities.
- Safely managed drinking water: 100% of people in United Kingdom (2024, WHO/UNICEF JMP).
Tap water across United Kingdom
| Place | Tap water |
|---|---|
| London | Yes, drinkable |
| Edinburgh | Yes, drinkable |
| Manchester | Yes, drinkable |
| Liverpool | Yes, drinkable |
| Oxford | Yes, drinkable |
| Bath | Yes, drinkable |
| Cambridge | Yes, drinkable |
| Glasgow | Yes, drinkable |
| Brighton | Yes, drinkable |
| Scottish Highlands | Yes, drinkable |
| Isle of Skye | Yes, drinkable |
| York | Yes, drinkable |
| Bristol | Yes, drinkable |
| Lake District | Yes, drinkable |
| Cornwall | Yes, drinkable |
| Cotswolds | Yes, drinkable |
| Belfast | Yes, drinkable |
| Cardiff | Yes, drinkable |
| Birmingham | Yes, drinkable |
| Newcastle | Yes, drinkable |
| Leeds | Yes, drinkable |
| Snowdonia | Yes, drinkable |
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Edinburgh?
Tap water is safe to drink. Safe and soft, among the UK's best tap water. Free refills in cafés and pubs.
Can you drink tap water in United Kingdom?
Safe everywhere. Pubs and restaurants serving alcohol must give free tap water on request; refill points are common in cities.
More about Edinburgh
Going to Edinburgh solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Edinburgh meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- World Bank: safely managed drinking water (WHO/UNICEF)
- CDC: food and water safety for travelers
- Lothian Buses
- Edinburgh Trams
- Edinburgh Airport
- VisitScotland
Verdicts reflect official utility statements and what locals actually do. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.