Capital city in Greater London, United Kingdom
Can you drink tap water in London?
Can you drink the tap water in London?
Tap water is safe to drink. Safe from the tap; hard water, so kettles scale. Free refill points at many stations and parks.
Key facts
- In London: Safe from the tap; hard water, so kettles scale. Free refill points at many stations and parks.
- 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 London?
Tap water is safe to drink. Safe from the tap; hard water, so kettles scale. Free refill points at many stations and parks.
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 London
Going to London solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in London 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
- Transport for London
- Heathrow Airport
- Visit London
- NHS 111
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 Spotted something out of date?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.