Is tap water in Krakow safe to drink? Can you drink it?

Many tourists visiting Poland wonder: Is it safe to drink tap water in Kraków? In some countries in the easter part of Europe, especialy Ukraine, drinking tap water is not recommended, leading travelers to rely on bottled water. However, Kraków in Poland has invested heavily in modern water treatment systems, ensuring high-quality drinking water straight from the tap. Let’s explore whether you can safely drink Kraków’s tap water, its quality, and the benefits of choosing it over bottled alternatives.

Where does Kraków’s tap water come from?

Kraków’s drinking water comes from carefully selected natural sources, including rivers and underground water intakes. The city’s water supply is managed by Wodociągi Miasta Krakowa (Kraków Waterworks), which uses advanced purification processes to ensure safe and clean drinking water. In the centre of Krakow, water is primarily the responsibility of the Raba and Rudawa Water Treatment Plant and Bielany Water Treatment Plant.

On the official website of Kraków’s waterworks, water quality indicators for various water sources in Kraków are periodically published. The Kraków waterworks website is largely well-translated into English, but the test results are available on the website in Polish under the “Komunikaty o jakości wody” tab – at this address.

Is tap water in Krakow safe?

Yes, Kraków’s tap water is completely safe to drink. It meets all Polish, European Union (EU), and World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards. Regular testing and monitoring ensure that the water is free from harmful contaminants and suitable for consumption.

According to the information provided by Kraków Waterworks, tap water in Kraków is classified between medium-mineralized and low-mineralized bottled mineral water. This means, of course, that bottled mineral water is better than tap water, but tap water is not terrible. Kraków’s tap water contains some essential minerals such as:

• Calcium (Ca) – Supports strong bones and teeth.
• Magnesium (Mg) – Essential for muscle and nerve function.
• Potassium (K) – Helps regulate blood pressure.
• Sodium (Na) – Maintains fluid balance in the body.

 

Does tap water in Kraków taste good?

That is already a matter of debate. High-quality bottled water definitely tastes better than tap water in Kraków. Some people notice a slight chlorine taste, which is used to disinfect the water and keep it safe. If you prefer a milder taste, simply let the water sit for a few minutes before drinking or use a simple water filter.

However, it’s important to emphasize that tap water in Kraków is significantly cheaper than buying good-quality bottled water. And at three locations in the city, including two in the center of the Old Town, there are water fountains where you can fill your bottle for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to filter Kraków’s tap water?
  No, the water is already clean and safe. However, if you are sensitive to chlorine, a basic filter can help improve taste.
• Can I drink tap water in restaurants?
  Yes! Many restaurants serve tap water upon request. Some may offer bottled water by default, so don’t hesitate to ask for tap water instead.
• Is Kraków’s tap water safe for children?
  Absolutely! The water is safe for people of all ages, including young children.

Is tapwater safe in Krakow?

Yes, you can safely drink tap water in Kraków. It’s clean, mineral-rich, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Tap water in Kraków is not as good as the water in Zakopane, but it meets all quality standards and is safe to drink without prior boiling.