Jazmin Li
When travelling, it is always important to be aware of the drinking water situation in your destination country. In Taiwan, the tap water is generally considered safe to drink and meets international standards for drinking water quality. However, some people choose to boil or filter their water due to concerns about old buildings with dirty or faulty pipes. The water in Taiwan has a high level of natural minerals, resulting in hard water that may not taste great. When in doubt, it is recommended to opt for bottled water, which can be bought cheaply at convenience stores or vending machines in the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you drink tap water in Taiwan Airport? | Yes |
| Is tap water in Taiwan safe to drink? | The tap water in Taiwan is generally considered safe to drink and meets international standards for drinking water quality. However, some sources suggest filtering or boiling the water first due to the possibility of old or faulty pipes in buildings. |
| Alternative options | Bottled water can be purchased from vending machines in the airport, or from convenience stores throughout Taiwan. Hotels also typically provide free bottled water. |
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What You'll Learn
Tap water in Taiwan is generally safe to drink
While the tap water in Taiwan is deemed safe for consumption, some people choose to boil or filter it as the piping in older buildings may pose a risk. The older the building, the higher the risk, due to more relaxed or less enforced building codes. Some people also choose to filter their water to improve the taste, as the high mineral content in Taiwan's water can affect its flavour.
In Taiwan, it is common for people to associate hot water with having medicinal properties, and cold tap water with being "bad" for you. This belief is not based on modern scientific understanding.
If you are travelling in Taiwan, it is worth noting that the tap water in Taipei is of very good quality and meets or exceeds international standards for safety and taste. You can confidently drink tap water in Taipei without worrying about any adverse health effects. However, outside of Taipei, the water quality may vary, and some locals advise against drinking tap water. In these cases, it is recommended to filter or boil the water, or purchase bottled water.
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Bottled water is available for purchase at the airport
While tap water in Taiwan is generally considered safe to drink, meeting international drinking water standards, some travellers prefer to stick to bottled water. This is due to the high level of natural minerals in the water, which can make it hard, as well as the possibility of trace chemicals and a salty taste.
If you are passing through Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, the only airport in Taiwan with international flights, you will be able to purchase bottled water. There are vending machines located in the airport where you can buy bottled water, and there are also private relaxation suites with comfortable beds and private toilets.
If you are staying in a hotel, you will likely be provided with free bottled water. You can also buy bottled water cheaply at any of the thousands of convenience stores located throughout Taiwan. It may be best to stick to foreign brands or a company called Tong-Yi, as there have been reports that some of the smaller brands may just be bottled tap water.
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles, it is recommended to bring a refillable water bottle and fill it with tap water, as the tap water in Taiwan is safe to drink.
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Tap water in Taiwan contains a high level of natural minerals
Tap water in Taiwan is generally considered safe and suitable for drinking. The water undergoes rigorous testing and treatment and meets international standards for drinking water quality. The Taipei Water Department (TWD) regularly takes samples of tap water from users' premises, water sources, treatment plants, and consumers' premises for analysis at its well-equipped laboratory. All test data have proved that the water quality in Taipei is very good.
However, it is important to note that the water in Taiwan has a high level of natural minerals, resulting in hard water. While this does not affect physical health and is within the drinking water standards set in Taiwan, some people may be concerned about the potential presence of toxic minerals and metals leaching from old pipes and the environment. Arsenic and lead are two examples of such contaminants. As a result, many people in Taiwan boil or filter their tap water before consumption, especially in areas with older infrastructure, such as Kaohsiung, which is known for having elevated levels of natural arsenic in its water.
In addition to boiling or filtering tap water, some individuals may opt to use a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the public water fountains located in parks, hiking trails, tourist attractions, and metro train stations. These fountains can also be located using an online map.
When travelling through Taiwan's airports, it is safe to drink water from the taps, which also meet international standards for drinking water quality. Bottled water is also readily available from vending machines for those who prefer it.
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Some choose to boil or filter tap water before drinking
While tap water in Taiwan is deemed safe to drink, meeting international standards for drinking water quality, some people choose to boil or filter it before consumption. This is due to the possibility of old or faulty pipes in buildings, which could contaminate the water with unwanted minerals or toxins such as arsenic and lead. Boiling the water can remove any contaminants and enhance the taste, although it won't remove toxic minerals.
Filtering tap water is a common practice in Taiwan, as it can improve the taste and provide an extra layer of protection against potential contaminants. Some people use Brita filters or activated carbon filters, but it's important to maintain the filters properly to avoid introducing pollution.
Another reason why people may choose to boil or filter tap water in Taiwan is the presence of chlorine. Boiling the water can remove the chlorine, improving the taste. Additionally, letting the water sit overnight in an open container can also help reduce the chlorine levels.
The decision to boil or filter tap water in Taiwan is often a personal choice. While the government declares the water safe, some people prefer to take extra precautions, especially when it comes to potential health risks. It's worth noting that boiling or filtering tap water may not be necessary, as the water quality in Taiwan is generally good and meets international standards.
When travelling in Taiwan, it's always a good idea to stay informed and make decisions based on the most up-to-date information available. Checking with local authorities or reputable sources can help ensure that you have the most accurate understanding of water safety in the areas you plan to visit.
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Tap water in Taiwan may taste salty
Tap water in Taiwan is generally safe to drink and meets international standards for drinking water quality. However, the water in some areas, especially in older buildings, may have a strange taste due to the presence of toxic minerals and metals leaching from old pipes. These pipes may introduce arsenic, lead, and calcium into the water, giving it an unpleasant taste. In addition, the water in Taiwan has a high level of natural minerals, resulting in hard water that may contribute to a salty taste. While the hardness does not affect physical health, it can affect the flavour of the water.
Some people choose to boil their water as a precaution, but this does not address the issue of water contamination from old pipes. Others use filters, such as Brita or activated carbon filters, to improve the taste and reduce any potential contaminants. It is recommended to ask about the condition of the pipes and the cleanliness of the water tank in your building. If you are concerned about water quality, purchasing bottled water is always an option, as vending machines selling bottled water are readily available in airports and throughout the country.
The tap water in Taiwan's airports is safe to drink and meets international standards. However, some people may prefer to buy bottled water from vending machines located in the airport due to taste preferences or personal comfort levels.
While the tap water in Taiwan is generally safe, it is advisable to be cautious, especially when visiting less busy areas outside of major cities like Taipei. It is always a good idea to check for updates and follow local advice, as water quality can vary depending on location and the condition of the local infrastructure.
In summary, tap water in Taiwan may occasionally taste salty due to the high mineral content and the potential presence of toxic minerals and metals from old pipes. While the water is generally safe, boiling, filtering, or opting for bottled water can provide additional reassurance, especially in areas with older infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, tap water in Taiwan is safe to drink and meets international standards for drinking water quality.
The water in Taiwan has a high level of natural minerals, which results in hard water. However, the hardness of the water does not affect physical health and is within the drinking water standards set in Taiwan.
While tap water in Taiwan is generally safe to drink, some people choose to boil or filter it first due to concerns about old buildings having dirty or faulty pipes. Bottled water is readily available and can be purchased cheaply if preferred.
