Water is something that most people don’t consider when traveling abroad. Nevertheless, drinking unsafe water can give you diseases. Can you drink the tap water in the Czech Republic without being worried about your health?
Potable water also referred to as drinking water, is defined as water safe enough for drinking and food preparation, according to Wikipedia. The European Commission takes potable water seriously. The European Citizens’ Initiative states that: Water and sanitation are a human right! Water is a public good, not a commodity!
It’s not just drinking the bad quality water that could be unsafe – even brushing your teeth or accidentally gurgling a mouthful in the shower could leave you feeling ill. Therefore, checking your water is an important thing to do, especially for infants and young children, or pregnant women.
Regarding the National Institute of Public Health, in 2017, drinking water from the public water supply systems was available to 94.7 % of the Czech population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water standards in the Czech Republic are similar to those in the United States. Most people do not need to take special water precautions beyond what they normally do at home country. However, when visiting rural or remote areas that are served by unregulated water sources such as private wells should take special precautions to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
How to test your water?
If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Vodatest.cz also provide accredited analyzes of water across the Czech Republic. Samples for water abstraction and subsequent analysis are provided in 44 branches all over the Czech Republic. Possibility of express evaluation of samples within 1-3 working days. Or if you wish to test the water yourself at home, you can try and look for some water quality test kit.
Generally, tap water in the Czech Republic is drinkable. For further information about your home water quality, you should have it checked with reliable laboratories. Your health is the most priority and you should be aware of the quality of the water you’re using every day!
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– Photo source: Unsplash
The Consumer Confidence Report is for Prague, OKLOHOMA. I would say this particular water standard is “similar to those in the United States.” It has nothing to do with the Prague located in the Czech Republic.
Well spotted. And you should think, that foreigners.cz, who make a living of all us non-Czech speaker, should be aware, that it is extremely unlikely to find governmental information in English in this country.
Hi Anette,
thank you for your comment? Glad we can help! 🙂
Kind regards,
Anna
Thank you for this article dear Huyen.
I am from India, so usually I drink water from filters as the treated water coming from the tap may not be suitable for drinking as it has high Iron and Chlorine.
I have been drinking tap water for a week, and after reading this piece of information — I’m assured that I can continue drinking tap water.
Hi Kaustav,
Our pleasure! I am myself a Czech citizen living in Brno and I’ve been drinking tap water since I was a baby without filtering it :).
I rarely get sick.
So, yes, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Best,
Tereza
I came to Czech Republic, immediately I started drinking water from the tap here my system changed and am feeling week what should I do
Hi, sorry to hear, it would be the best to visit a doctor in this situation, get well soon!