Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Slovakia?

Is it really safe?

Slovakia has been in the EU since 2004, and public water supplies follow the EU drinking water standards, which require regular testing. Municipal water companies publish quality information for their areas. Residents drink tap water daily, and most visitors do the same without trouble.

If you have a very sensitive stomach, or you are travelling with a small baby, you can use bottled water for the first day or two. That is a comfort choice rather than a safety requirement in the cities.

Taste and hardness

Water can taste slightly different from what you are used to, mainly because of minerals. In some regions it is harder than in others. Hard water leaves a white scale on kettles but is harmless. If the taste bothers you, a simple jug filter or bottled water solves it.

Water in restaurants and cafes

In Slovak restaurants, you are normally offered bottled still or sparkling water, or soft drinks such as the local cola alternative Kofola. Tap water ("voda z vodovodu") is not a standard offer. Some places will give a glass for free, some will charge a small amount, and some will refuse. Ask politely, and check the menu so you are not surprised by the bill. See tipping in Slovakia for how to round up at the end.

If you want to try local drinks while you are there, read the Slovak beer guide and Slovak food to try.

Water in the mountains

In the High Tatras and other mountain areas, huts often use spring water. Some of it is fine to drink and some taps are marked as not drinking water. Ask the staff. Never drink from streams without treatment, because animals graze upstream in many areas. Start a hike with a full bottle and buy a drink at the hut if you need more. See mountain huts in the High Tatras and best hikes in the High Tatras.

Mineral water and spa towns

Slovakia has many mineral springs, and bottled mineral water from Slovak sources is sold everywhere. Spa towns such as Piešťany also have drinking cures with mineral water. The taste can be salty or strong, so try a small amount first. See thermal spas in Slovakia.

Quick comparison

Using tap water at home, hotels and apartments

Hotels and apartments in Slovakia have normal drinkable tap water, and a kettle in the room is common. If you rent an apartment in an older building, run the tap for a few seconds in the morning before filling a glass, especially if the water has not been used for a while. Hot water from the tap is not meant for drinking or making tea, as it passes through the boiler. Use cold water and boil it instead.

If a hotel has a notice that a particular tap is not drinking water, believe it. This is rare in town and slightly more likely in cabins, campsites or old buildings. Our camping in Slovakia guide lists what to check at campsites.

Cost and the environment

Bottled water is cheap in Slovak shops, but a refillable bottle still saves money across a week. A one litre bottle that you fill from the tap each morning replaces several plastic bottles. Many cafes will fill a bottle if you ask kindly, and airports and train stations in larger cities have drinking points, though their positions change, so do not count on them. For budget ideas, see Slovakia on a budget.

The travel packing list generator can remind you to bring a bottle for hiking days.

Special cases: babies, health and cooking

For babies, follow the advice of your doctor. Many parents use tap water boiled and cooled for formula, which is safe anywhere. If you have a weak immune system, check with your doctor before travelling. If you get an upset stomach, which can happen from any change in food and water, drink plenty of fluid and see a pharmacist. Pharmacies are easy to find in towns. Visitors from outside the EU should read travel insurance for Slovakia before travelling.

What visitors usually ask on arrival

New arrivals often ask whether they can brush their teeth with tap water, whether ice in drinks is safe and whether salads are washed in tap water. In Slovak cities the answer to all three is yes, since ice and washed produce use the same drinking water supply. The only habit worth changing is to avoid drinking from untreated streams, wells and garden taps in the countryside, and to avoid hot-tap water for drinking.

If you travel with a dog, tap water is also fine for pets, see Slovakia with a dog. In summer heat, carry more water than you think, particularly on exposed trails and during city sightseeing, since shade can be limited on the castle hill and along the river.

Summary for different trips

On a city break, drink the tap water and ask for bottled water in restaurants. On a hiking trip, start with a full bottle, plan refills at huts and carry a little extra in hot weather. On a road trip, buy bottled water at petrol stations when you need it. On a spa trip, taste the mineral water in small amounts. Wherever you stay, check the hotel information for notes on water.