Can You Drink Tap Water in Paris? When planning a trip to Paris, one of the first things visitors might wonder about is the safety and quality of the tap water. After all, traveling can be expensive, and the idea of buying bottled water all the time might seem wasteful or unnecessary, especially when you’re in a city like Paris, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. So, the question arises: Can you drink tap water in Paris?

The answer is a resounding yes — the tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink. In fact, it’s not only safe, but it’s also of high quality, regulated by stringent standards. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about drinking tap water in Paris, from the quality and safety standards to the environmental benefits of choosing tap water over bottled water. We’ll also dive into the history of Parisian water, explain how it’s treated, and provide practical tips for drinking tap water in the city. By the end, you’ll be confident in your ability to enjoy Parisian tap water without any concerns.

1. The Quality of Tap Water in Paris

A World-Class Water System

Paris has one of the best public water systems in the world. The city’s tap water is supplied by the Paris Water Authority (Eau de Paris), which is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the water. Eau de Paris treats and distributes the water to over 2.2 million people within the city, and it’s also made available in surrounding suburban areas.

The water is sourced primarily from natural reservoirs and groundwater that are located both inside and outside the city limits. These sources are carefully managed to ensure that the water quality meets or exceeds both French and European Union (EU) water safety standards.

Stringent Standards and Regulation

The tap water in Paris is subject to strict regulations. The water is tested regularly to make sure it meets the following key criteria:

Chemical Safety: Tap water is tested for a wide range of potential contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. The levels of these substances are always kept well below the legally permissible limits.
Microbiological Safety: Microbial contamination, such as bacteria or viruses, is closely monitored. The tap water in Paris is consistently free from harmful microorganisms.
Taste and Clarity: Parisian tap water is also tested for aesthetic qualities like taste, smell, and clarity. It must meet high standards for these attributes as well.

The French government has rigorous standards for drinking water, set by the Code de la Santé Publique (Public Health Code), which mirrors or exceeds EU guidelines. These rules ensure that all tap water in France, including Paris, is safe to drink.

Regular Testing

Eau de Paris conducts thousands of tests on the city’s water supply each year. These tests cover everything from chemical composition to microbiological content, ensuring that the water is consistently safe and of high quality. In fact, Parisian tap water is tested over 500,000 times annually to ensure that it’s always up to standard.

The Parisian Water Quality Report

For transparency, Eau de Paris publishes an annual water quality report, which is available to the public. This report details all the tests conducted on the water, as well as any issues or findings related to water quality. It serves as a reassurance to both locals and tourists that the tap water is safe and reliable.

2. The Source of Parisian Tap Water

River Seine and the Marne River

Paris’s tap water comes from two main sources: the River Seine and the Marne River. These rivers are treated to remove any impurities before the water is sent into the city’s extensive network of pipelines. Both of these rivers pass through extensive filtration systems, which remove particles, bacteria, and other contaminants, making the water safe to drink.

Groundwater Sources

In addition to surface water from rivers, Paris also taps into groundwater from a network of underground aquifers. Groundwater is a naturally filtered source of water and is often considered to be cleaner than surface water, as it is less exposed to pollutants. This water is used as an additional source to maintain the balance of supply and demand.

Treatment Process

Before tap water reaches your sink or drinking fountain in Paris, it goes through a rigorous treatment process to ensure it is free of contaminants and safe to drink. This process includes several steps:

Coagulation and Flocculation: In the first stage, chemicals are added to the water to help larger particles clump together, forming “flocs.”
Sedimentation: The flocs are allowed to settle at the bottom of the water tanks, removing most of the suspended particles.
Filtration: The water is then passed through sand and charcoal filters to remove smaller particles and impurities.
Disinfection: The water is disinfected, typically with chlorine or UV light, to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
Monitoring: After disinfection, the water is continuously monitored to ensure that it remains safe and clean.

Throughout this entire process, stringent standards are maintained to ensure that the water that reaches Paris residents and visitors is of the highest quality.

3. How to Drink Tap Water in Paris

While the tap water in Paris is safe, you may still be wondering how you can drink it comfortably. There are several practical options for obtaining and enjoying tap water during your stay:

1. Drinking from the Tap

If you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or rental apartment in Paris, it’s generally safe to drink the tap water. In fact, many locals simply drink it straight from the faucet without any second thoughts. You can use a glass, a bottle, or even a reusable water bottle to fill up with water from the sink.

Many public restrooms and cafes in Paris will also have drinking fountains where you can fill your bottle with fresh tap water. Look for signs marked “Eau potable” (drinking water), indicating that the water is safe to drink.

2. Carafes d’Eau in Restaurants

In Paris, it’s common practice for restaurants to serve tap water if requested. When you sit down at a restaurant, you may notice that tap water is often served in a carafe, a glass container that holds tap water. This water is free of charge, though it’s customary to order bottled water if you want sparkling or mineral water.

If you prefer tap water, simply ask for a “carafe d’eau”, and the waiter will bring you a jug of tap water. This is a perfectly normal request, and you won’t be charged extra for it.

3. Public Drinking Fountains

Paris is home to over 1,200 public drinking fountains, known as fontaines Wallace, named after the English philanthropist Sir Richard Wallace who funded their installation in the 19th century. These fountains provide free, clean drinking water, and they are scattered throughout the city. The water in these fountains is safe to drink, and they are a great option if you’re exploring the city and need to refill your water bottle.

4. Water Bottles and Reusable Bottles

If you prefer to drink from a bottle, you can easily purchase a reusable water bottle in any supermarket or store in Paris. Many locals use reusable bottles to refill from the tap, helping to reduce plastic waste and minimize environmental impact.

If you need to purchase bottled water, you’ll find plenty of options available in convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants. The price for bottled water in Paris can vary, but typically ranges from €1 to €2 for a liter bottle of still water.

However, tap water is a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option.

4. Environmental Benefits of Drinking Tap Water

Reducing Plastic Waste

One of the major advantages of drinking tap water in Paris (or any city) is the environmental benefit. By choosing tap water over bottled water, you significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. According to environmental studies, bottled water contributes to millions of tons of plastic waste each year, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean.

Paris, as a city committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, has been actively promoting the use of tap water. By refilling your bottle at a public fountain or from your hotel’s tap, you help contribute to the reduction of plastic waste, supporting a greener and more sustainable Paris.

Saving Money

Buying bottled water every time you get thirsty can add up quickly. In comparison, drinking tap water is virtually free (with the cost of your water bill already covered). If you’re traveling on a budget, drinking tap water is one of the easiest ways to save money while still staying hydrated. Plus, many restaurants in Paris offer tap water for free when you ask for it, so you’re not paying extra for a drink with your meal.

Supporting Local Water Systems

By drinking tap water, you’re supporting local water infrastructure and contributing to the sustainability of public water systems. Paris has one of the most advanced and reliable water systems in the world, and by choosing to drink from the tap, you help reinforce the value of maintaining this system for future generations.

5. Common Myths About Paris Tap Water

Myth 1: Tap Water in Paris Tastes Bad

While taste can be subjective, Parisian tap water is regularly praised for its good taste and clarity. Some people might notice a slight difference in taste due to the presence of chlorine, which is used for disinfection, but this does not affect the water’s safety or overall quality. If you prefer to reduce the taste of chlorine, you can let the water sit in an open container for a few hours before drinking it.

Myth 2: Tap Water Contains Lead

Concerns about lead in tap water often arise in older buildings with outdated plumbing. However, the Paris water system is regularly tested for heavy metals, including lead, and the water that reaches the public is strictly regulated. If you’re staying in a very old building with questionable plumbing, you might consider using a water filter to remove any potential contaminants.