Roberta Aguirre
The safety of drinking airport tap water is a topic of concern for many travellers. While tap water in airports in the US, Canada, and Europe is generally safe to drink, travellers often complain about the lack of access to drinking fountains, with some airports only supplying lukewarm water for handwashing. In recent years, a growing number of airports have begun to install bottle-filling stations to address this issue and reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles. However, travellers should be cautious about drinking tap water on airplanes, as studies have shown that aircraft water tanks can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking tap water at airports | Tap water at airports is generally considered safe to drink, especially in the US and Europe. However, travellers often prefer to buy bottled water or bring their own to avoid the lukewarm temperature of the water or the taste of the local water. |
| Tap water on airplanes | It is generally not recommended to drink tap water on airplanes due to concerns about bacterial contamination. While airlines claim to comply with regulations, some studies and flight attendants have raised doubts about the cleanliness of aircraft water. |
| Water bottle filling at airports | Some airports have started installing bottle-filling stations to reduce plastic waste and provide a convenient option for travellers. These stations are typically located near bathrooms and water fountains and offer free, filtered water. |
| Bringing your own water bottle | Travellers are advised to carry their own water bottles, especially when travelling in Europe, where tap water is generally safe to drink. Refilling a bottle can be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than purchasing bottled water at airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Tap water safety varies by region
When travelling in Europe, it is generally safe to drink tap water, but it is important to look out for signs indicating when the water is not safe, such as at decorative fountains. In some countries, such as Italy, Germany, and Belgium, there are public taps where you can refill your water bottle for free. North America also allows empty bottles, and some airports even provide signs instructing travellers to take them out of their bags. However, in Europe, this is more of a grey area, and it is recommended to use a folding bottle instead.
To avoid paying high prices for water at airports, some travellers suggest bringing an empty water bottle to fill up at a fountain or drinking tap. Water fountains or taps can usually be found in airports, and some bars will also refill bottles for free. Additionally, some airports have started installing bottle-filling stations, which are hands-free and ergonomically designed to fit water bottles. These stations provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles and can be found in airports such as Philadelphia, San Francisco International Airport, and Chicago.
It is important to note that even if tap water is deemed "unsafe," it may not be due to pollution but rather because it could affect your system if you are not accustomed to it. Some common side effects of drinking unsafe tap water include diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to drink bottled water in some regions, such as Asia, where tap water is not drinkable.
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Airports may have drinking fountains
While some airports may not allow passengers to carry empty water bottles through security, many airports have drinking fountains or taps where passengers can fill up their water bottles. In the US, public buildings such as airports are required by building codes to have an appropriate number of drinking fountains, and tap water is safe to drink. Some airports even have bottle-filling stations in several locations.
In Europe, tap water is generally drinkable, but airports often only supply lukewarm water for handwashing, which is less suitable for drinking. However, passengers can ask for their water bottles to be refilled at bars or cafes, or fill them at water taps in the toilets.
To avoid having to buy expensive bottled water at the airport, passengers can bring empty water bottles and fill them up at drinking fountains or taps after passing through security. Some travellers recommend carrying a collapsible or folding water bottle, as these are easier to fill at drinking fountains and take up less space when empty.
While tap water on airplanes has been found to contain bacteria, the water provided at airport drinking fountains and taps is generally considered safe to drink in the US and Europe. However, it is always a good idea to check for signs indicating whether the water is potable, as water quality can vary across different airports and countries.
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Bars may refill water bottles
Carrying a water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated while travelling. However, it can be a challenge to keep it refilled, especially at airports. Many airports have expensive bottled water, and the water fountains may not be suitable for drinking. Some airports even have signs prohibiting drinking the tap water.
A good solution to this problem is to ask the staff at a bar to refill your water bottle. They will usually do this for free, although they may not advertise this service. They may even add ice on hot days. This is a good way to save money and avoid buying bottled water.
In the United States, public buildings such as airports are required to have drinking fountains with safe tap water. However, in Europe, the tap water is usually lukewarm and not very pleasant to drink. It is still safe to drink, but it may be better to ask for a glass of tap water at a cafe or bar and pour it into your bottle.
Some airports have started to address this issue by installing bottle-filling stations. These stations provide free, filtered water and are designed to fit water bottles. They are available in airports such as Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver. These stations help to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles and improve the airport experience for travellers.
So, if you're travelling and need to refill your water bottle, don't be afraid to ask the bar staff for a refill. It's a simple and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while on the move.
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Empty bottles may not be allowed
It is important to stay hydrated while flying for your well-being. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certain guidelines and restrictions concerning water bottles. According to the TSA, you cannot bring a full water bottle in your carry-on bag through security. This is due to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, which states that travellers can carry 3.4 ounces of liquid per container in a 1-quart bag, with one bag per passenger. This rule was put in place to prevent attacks using liquid explosives.
Since full water bottles are not allowed, you can bring an empty water bottle in your carry-on bag and fill it up once you're done with the screening. This is a more environmentally conscious choice, reducing plastic waste. However, some travellers have reported that even empty, larger bottles seem to be a problem, with some airports claiming they are not allowed. This may be due to security concerns, as any liquid over 100ml is considered a potential bomb.
To navigate these restrictions, some travellers suggest using a folding bottle or a collapsible bottle, which can be easily filled at a water fountain or tap post-security. These bottles are also convenient as they can be rolled up when empty, taking up less space in your luggage. It is also recommended to select a leak-proof bottle to avoid any spills inside your bag.
While it may be inconvenient to deal with these restrictions, it is important to remember that they are in place to ensure the safety of air travel. By following the guidelines and staying hydrated, you can have a more comfortable and eco-friendly travel experience.
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Bottled water is expensive at airports
It is no secret that bottled water at airports is expensive. In fact, some travellers have called airport shops "robbers" for charging high prices for water. For example, a 500ml bottle of water can cost around $5, which is extremely costly considering that a litre of liquor can be purchased duty-free at the same airport.
The high prices of bottled water at airports can be attributed to several factors. One reason is the convenience and captive market of travellers who need to stay hydrated during their journey. Additionally, security restrictions on bringing liquids through checkpoints contribute to the demand for bottled water within the airport, allowing vendors to charge a premium.
Furthermore, the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles is a concern, leading some airports to explore more sustainable options. Airports are looking for ways to manage the large number of empty plastic bottles left behind by travellers. This has prompted a growing number of airports to install bottle-filling stations, which provide travellers with easy access to free drinking water and help reduce the number of plastic bottles ending up in landfills.
While the availability of bottle-filling stations is a positive step towards sustainability and reducing costs for travellers, it is important to be cautious about the quality of tap water. In some countries, tap water may not be safe for drinking, and it is always a good idea to check local advisories before filling up your bottle. Additionally, when it comes to drinking water on aeroplanes, it is recommended to opt for bottled water due to concerns about the cleanliness and bacteria levels in aircraft water tanks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but if you want to bring it through security, it must be empty.
Yes, there are water fountains, taps, and bottle-filling stations at many airports.
In the US, public buildings like airports are required to have drinking fountains, and the tap water is safe to drink. In Europe, the tap water is usually drinkable, but airports often only supply lukewarm water, which people may not want to drink.
Yes, but it tends to be expensive.
It is not recommended. While airlines say the water meets regulations, studies show that the water tanks can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
