Roberta Aguirre
Whether or not you can drink sink water in an airport depends on the airport and the country in which it is located. In Europe, for example, tap water is generally safe to drink, but airport water fountains often only supply lukewarm water, which is off-putting to many people. In the US, tap water safety can vary by region, and some airports may not have water fountains readily available. Some travellers opt to bring their own empty water bottles to fill up at the airport, while others purchase bottled water after passing through security.
Can I drink the sink water in an airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking sink water in airports | In Europe, tap water is generally safe to drink. However, airport water is often lukewarm and supplied for hand washing, which may be off-putting for drinking. |
| In the US, it is recommended to buy bottled water due to varying water quality across states. | |
| Drinking water on planes | It is generally advised not to drink tap water on planes as it may be contaminated. |
| Some travellers use it for rinsing their mouths or brushing teeth, but it is recommended to use bottled water for these activities as well. | |
| Bringing water through airport security | Most airports require travellers to drink or dispose of full water bottles before security. |
| Empty bottles can be brought through security and refilled at water fountains or taps in the airport toilets. |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking airport sink water in Europe
Some airports, like Schiphol, Amsterdam Airport, have drinking water fountains near the toilets, making it convenient for travellers to refill their bottles. Additionally, most bars at European airports will also refill water bottles for free upon request. It is worth noting that some travellers prefer to avoid drinking sink water, even in Europe, due to concerns about the quality of the water or the sanitation of the airport facilities.
When it comes to drinking water on airplanes, it is generally advised to avoid consuming tap water from the faucets in airplane lavatories. This water may be contaminated, and it is recommended to bring your own bottle of water or obtain bottled water from the flight attendants. Some people even choose to use alcohol swabs or hand sanitiser after washing their hands in the airplane lavatory.
Overall, while drinking airport sink water in Europe is generally safe, individual preferences and concerns about water quality and sanitation may influence a traveller's decision to consume tap water or opt for alternative sources of hydration.
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Drinking airport sink water in the US
It is worth noting that, in the US, it is common for airports to provide lukewarm "handwashing" water, which may not be appealing for drinking. Additionally, water heating systems in airports can sometimes affect the potability of the water. Some travellers opt to carry their own water bottles and fill them up at water fountains or taps in the airport after passing through security. This is a more environmentally friendly option than purchasing bottled water, and it can also be more cost-effective, as bottled water prices at airports tend to be inflated.
When it comes to drinking water on aeroplanes, it is generally advised to avoid consuming tap water from the faucets in airplane lavatories. This water may be contaminated, and some people suggest bringing your own bottled water or requesting bottled water from flight attendants. However, it is worth noting that some people do use this water for brushing their teeth or rinsing their mouths, and it is unlikely to cause any harm in small quantities.
To ensure you have access to safe drinking water while travelling, it is recommended to carry a water bottle with a built-in filter. This allows you to fill your bottle from any water source, giving you peace of mind, especially when travelling to regions where water quality may be questionable. Additionally, practising good hygiene is essential, as bacteria and viruses can be easily transmitted in crowded places like airports and airplanes.
In summary, while airport sink water in the US is generally considered safe to drink, travellers may prefer to take precautions by carrying their own refillable water bottles or using water bottles with built-in filters. Maintaining good hygiene practices and being cautious about water quality, especially on aeroplanes, can help ensure a safe and healthy journey.
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Drinking water on planes
While there is no definitive answer to whether or not the sink water on planes is safe to drink, it is generally advised to avoid drinking it. Some people report having no issues after drinking the tap water on planes, while others suggest that it can be contaminated and is best avoided. It is worth noting that some planes will explicitly state that the water is not potable, in which case it is advisable to refrain from consuming it.
When it comes to drinking water in airports, the recommendations vary depending on the region. In Europe, for example, tap water is generally considered safe for consumption, although airport water fountains often provide lukewarm water, which may not be preferable for drinking. Some airports, like Schiphol in Amsterdam, offer drinkable water fountains near toilet facilities. Carrying a reusable water bottle and filling it after passing through security is a common practice to ensure access to drinking water while travelling.
To circumvent the issue of drinking water on planes, some travellers opt to bring their own empty bottles and fill them up once they have passed through security. This approach aligns with TSA guidelines, which allow passengers to carry 3.4 ounces of liquid per container in a 1-quart bag. Alternatively, freezing water before travelling is another method to comply with TSA regulations while bringing water on board.
Regardless of the approach taken, it is always important to prioritise safe and hygienic practices when travelling. This may include carrying hand sanitiser, using antibacterial wipes in restrooms, and being cautious when consuming water from uncertain sources. Ultimately, the decision to drink sink water on planes or in airports is an individual choice, but being informed about the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions can help ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
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Workarounds to bring water through security
While it is possible to drink sink water in some airports, it is not recommended. The water heating systems in airports can make the water less suitable to drink, and travellers often report that the water is lukewarm. In addition, the sanitation standards of airport sinks are questionable, as housekeeping staff are often in a hurry and may not thoroughly clean the sinks and surrounding areas.
To avoid drinking sink water, travellers can employ the following workarounds to bring water through airport security:
- Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up once you're through. Most airports have water fountains or taps where you can refill your bottle. This option is more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than buying bottled water.
- If you have a preferred type of water at home (e.g., filtered or reverse osmosis), fill up your bottle with that water before heading to the airport. This way, you can avoid drinking airport sink water altogether.
- Ask a bar or restaurant to refill your water bottle for you. In some countries, like Belgium, they are obligated to provide you with a certain amount of free water.
- If you're travelling with a carry-on bag, put your water bottle inside the bag instead of carrying it in your hand. This will avoid any confusion about whether the bottle counts as a personal item.
- If you forget to bring an empty bottle or don't have access to a water fountain, you can buy a bottle of water after passing through security and pour it into your reusable bottle.
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Water fountain availability at airports
While some travellers prefer to bring their own water bottles to fill up at the airport, many airports also provide water fountains or taps with potable water. However, the availability of water fountains can vary widely across airports, and even within the same airport, as one source notes that while Gate 7 had a water fountain, Gate 6 did not.
Some airports with water fountains include:
- Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol)
- Chiang Kai Shek International Airport in Taiwan
- Denver International Airport
- Newark Airport
In Europe, while tap water is generally safe to drink, airports often only supply lukewarm water that is less appealing for drinking. As such, water fountains are relatively rare in Europe, and travellers may need to ask bars or restaurants to refill their water bottles. In Belgium, establishments with a connection to flowing water are expected to provide free water to those who ask for it.
In the United States, travellers are required to drink or dispose of their water bottles before passing through security. As such, some travellers may opt to bring their own empty water bottles to fill up at water fountains or taps within the departure area.
It is important to note that while some travellers have reported brushing their teeth or rinsing their mouths with plane lavatory water without any issues, others have expressed concerns about the sanitary conditions of the water provided on planes.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. In Europe, the tap water is safe to drink, but airport water is often lukewarm and supplied for handwashing. In the US, it is recommended to buy bottled water.
You can bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up at a water fountain or tap in the toilets. Some airports have drinking water fountains, like Schiphol, Amsterdam Airport.
You can bring a bottle of water through security if it is frozen solid or less than 3.4 ounces (100ml) in a 1-quart (1 litre) bag. Otherwise, you will have to drink it or throw it away.
