Tap water in Slovakia

Generally safe to drink

The WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water within reach of 100% of people in Slovakia. National figures describe a country, not the tap in front of you.

What the sources say

WHO / UNICEF JMP

100% of the population has safely managed drinking water, meaning it is free from contamination at the point of use.

US CDC Travelers' Health

Advises travellers that tap water is generally safe to drink in Slovakia.

Numbeo

85.75/100 on the water drinkability and accessibility index, which Numbeo reads as “Very high”. This one is crowdsourced from residents rather than measured.

European Union

As an EU member state, Slovakia is bound by the Drinking Water Directive, which sets minimum quality standards and requires regular testing by suppliers.

Lonely Planet

There's absolutely no need to buy bottled water in Slovakia, the tap water is safe to drink – good news for wallets and for the environment. Other than instances where a crossed-out...

There's absolutely no need to buy bottled water in Slovakia, the tap water is safe to drink – good news for wallets and for the environment. Other than instances where a crossed-out warning symbol is posted above a tap (for example, in some public toilets) you can expect water issuing from taps to be potable. Travellers prone to upset stomachs may choose to bring a portable water filter for peace of mind when drinking tap water.

Note that mineral-rich waters are highly prized in Slovakia, and in spa towns you are likely to see locals queuing to fill containers with water piped from underground sources. Because of the mineral content, this water can be warm, fizzy or with a strong metallic taste. Travellers unused to it may find that these mineral waters cause nausea. Limit yourself to a few sips if you have a delicate stomach.

Safe nationally still means ask locally. Older buildings can carry lead or copper pipework, and a single street can differ from the network feeding it. If you are staying somewhere old, ask your host.

What bottled water costs you here

Drinking tap water instead of bottled would save one adult about 489$ a year in Slovakia, and keep several hundred plastic bottles out of circulation.

Work out your own saving

Places in Slovakia

Water quality is local. These places have their own readings.

Elsewhere in Europe