Stop Buying Single-Use Bottled Water
Tap water across mainland Western and Central Europe is subjected to rigorous EU environmental testing and is completely safe to drink straight from the tap. Buying bottled water at convenience stores wastes money and contributes to plastic pollution.
Historic Public Drinking Fountains
- Vienna: Vienna’s municipal tap water originates in pristine alpine mountain springs in the Styrian Alps and flows directly to city taps. Free drinking water fountains (Trinkbrunnen) are located on almost every major plaza.
- Ljubljana: Ljubljana boasts over 50 public drinking fountains with tested cold water; download the 'Tap Water Ljubljana' mobile map.
- Madrid: Madrid’s tap water, sourced from the Guadarrama mountain reservoirs, is renowned for its purity and taste.
How to Order Free Water in Restaurants
When dining in European restaurants, servers will automatically ask if you want bottled water: 'Still or sparkling?' (Still or gas). A bottle of water often costs €2.50 to €4.00.
- In Spain: Say 'Agua del grifo, por favor' (Tap water, please). By Spanish national law passed in 2022, all hospitality establishments are legally obligated to provide free tap water to customers upon request.
- In Portugal: Say 'Um copo de água da torneira, por favor' (A glass of tap water, please).