Traveling to a new country often raises concerns about the safety of water for consumption. This guide will ensure you know which countries offer the best and the worst drinking water, making your travels worry-free.
To ensure our list is objective and reliable, we based our research on two main metrics from the 2024 Environmental Performance Index report (EPI) prepared by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy: unsafe drinking water and sanitation.
10 Countries With the Best Tap Water
Low pollution, fewer chemicals, and excellent sanitation give countries a leg up on clean drinking water.
Let’s look at countries with the cleanest water:
- Estonia
- Luxembourg
- Germany
- Finland
- United Kingdom
- Sweden
- Norway
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Denmark
1. Estonia
Estonia tops the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, excelling in environmental health and ecosystem vitality. The country’s tap water is sourced from pristine ground and surface water, including Lake Ülemiste, which supplies the capital, Tallinn. Estonia’s extensive water treatment processes ensure that the drinking water is of high quality.
The nation’s commitment to sustainable practices and strict regulations has led to significant improvements in air quality and waste management. Its protected areas and biodiversity conservation efforts have further helped to enhance the purity of its water sources.
2. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of those rare countries that provides water to citizens directly from springs. These springs comprise 60% of the country’s water supply, with the remaining 40% sourced from the Upper Sûre Lake.
Although the spring water found in Luxembourg has a nitrate level of 13 – 43 mg/L, these levels are well within the 50 mg/L threshold set by the European Environment Agency. However, we should also note that the United States Environmental Protection Agency sets its maximum nitrate standard at 10 mg/L.
Except for the nitrate levels, Luxembourg has mineral-rich and healthy water. The lake water passes through a series of filtration techniques, such as flocculation, de-acidification, and disinfection, making it safe for consumption.
Lastly, since the tap water in Luxembourg mostly consists of mineral-rich spring water, it is inevitably hard. However, water hardness is a subjective matter when determining water quality.
3. Germany
More than two-thirds of Germany’s water is sourced from underground water sources or glaciers, with the rest consisting of reservoirs fed by lakes and streams. The German government regulates water more than it regulates many of its other natural resources, so all the water that makes its way to German citizens’ taps meets the requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance.
The groundwater is treated on-site with several filtration methods. Plus, the country has strict water standards that prohibit chemicals in the purification process. The lack of chemicals means the water in Germany never tastes like chlorine, which is another reason it’s among the world’s best.
Additionally, German water protection policies are among the best in the world, provides adequate supply for all citizens, and ensure long-term water availability.
That said, piping systems built before the 1970s sometimes cause concern because they can feature lead/copper solders or fixtures, which are a contamination risk. However, the authorities take immediate action whenever the presence of such heavy metals in water is reported.
4. Finland
The bulk of Finland’s water comes from its 168,000 lakes, and the remainder comes from Finland’s rivers and tributaries. Lake Päïjänne, where the water is reportedly so clean you can drink it straight from the source, supplies most of the country’s water.
Finland subjects its water to multiple filtration and treatment methods to remove contaminants before distributing the water to households. Some of the filtration and treatment techniques include precipitation, sedimentation, ozone treatment, ultraviolet treatment, activated carbon filtration, and disinfection with chlorine and chloramines.
In most countries, industrial waste and improper wastewater treatment are the main reasons behind unhealthy drinking water since such waste always finds its way into the surface or underground water sources. In Finland, waste practices are strictly regulated, and wastewater is thoroughly treated to pose no health threat to the public.
5. United Kingdom
Underground water sources makes up 30% of England and Wales’ tap water. The rest is surface water sources, such as lakes and rivers.
Regardless of the water source, the water providers in the UK have to filter the water before distributing it to customers. The filtration process entails flocculation, rapid gravity filters, slow sand filters, ozonation, ion exchange, and finally, chlorination.
Like Switzerland, the United Kingdom has many protective regulations and legislation to ensure that water sources remain safe. Even though it already provides healthy tap water to its citizens, it continues to implement new stringent rules for further assurance.
Lastly, similar to all the countries where citizens drink some of the cleanest water, the UK has sterling wastewater treatment programs. These programs prevent any kind of sludge, organic waste, or chemicals from polluting the natural water sources.
6. Sweden
Sweden is another Northern-European country that is home to some of the cleanest drinking water. Most of the country’s water comes from its lakes and streams, and it goes through multiple layers of filtration, including chemical and natural filters.
One of the main reasons Sweden’s water is so clean is due to the country’s lack of pollution. Clean air helps keep pollution from clouding the waterways, leading to safe drinking water in citizens’ taps.
As a testament to Sweden’s clean water, the International Organization for Standardization awarded Sweden a Certification of Quality in 2017. This certificate labeled the water in Stockholm is of a “high and consistent quality.“
7. Norway
Like Finland, Norway has strict regulations and employs a thorough filtration process for treating wastewater. This is how they protect their water sources from getting contaminated by chemicals found in everyday products like detergents, medicine, and paints. Its rigorous filtration process is also how the country provides some of the cleanest tap water in the world for its citizens.
Norway’s treatment of water isn’t limited to wastewater practices. In the last 20-30 years, the country has implemented many water-related policies, including pipe and well repairs and the replacement of old pipes to eliminate lead or copper components in the piping system.
That said, like in all countries across the world, there are still certain private wells in Norway that are not regulated or don’t yet comply with the regulations put in place by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. So, even though tap water is of the utmost quality all around the country, it’s still a smart choice to avoid well water sources.
8. Austria
Austria’s drinking water is primarily sourced from alpine springs and groundwater. They’re another nation with a comprehensive water management system that involves advanced treatment processes and rigorous quality control measures. They also excel when it comes to wastewater management, with nearly 100% collection and treatment rates.
The environmental policies ensure that residents and visitors alike enjoy some of the best tap water in the world.
9. Switzerland
Over the years, the country has substantially raised its water treatment standards, and it can now boast of having some of the best drinking water in the world. In spite of this, Switzerland has slipped down a few spots in terms of the 2024 EPI.
Switzerland’s water comes from clean lakes and underground sources, comprising about 80% of the country’s water. The remainder comes from surface reservoirs.
Although roughly one-third of Switzerland’s water is in a protected area and doesn’t require any treatment before consumption, two-thirds still require a multi-stage treatment process. This process involves membranes, ozonation, ultraviolet disinfection, and activated carbon filtration.
In addition to the water treatment process, like all the countries that have exemplary healthy tap water, Switzerland has meticulous water policies to ensure that its citizens aren’t exposed to contaminated water.
10. Denmark
Denmark’s drinking water is also widely renowned for its purity, being sourced entirely from groundwater. This decentralized water supply structure means it is produced locally at over 2,600 public water utilities, ensuring high quality. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes pollution prevention over treatment, maintaining the groundwater’s pristine condition.
At waterworks, groundwater undergoes oxygenation and filtration before distribution, with advanced treatments being a rarity. Additionally, Denmark’s water loss rates are among the lowest globally, thanks to efficient management and infrastructure.
10 Countries With the Worst Tap Water
Many countries worldwide don’t have access to clean water or advanced filtration technology. As a result, these countries tend to have high pollution levels, little or no sanitation practices, and no wastewater treatment. Because of this, contaminated water sources in many densely populated areas are a common occurrence.
Sadly, dirty drinking water can lead to the spread of many waterborne diseases and illnesses like diarrhea. According to the 2024 Yale Environmental Index Report, these are the countries that have suffered the most from waterborne diseases and deaths.
Countries with the worst water quality:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Madagascar
- Eritrea
- Bangladesh
- India
- Myanmar
- Laos
- Pakistan
- Vietnam
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan is facing significant challenges in providing clean drinking water. According to UNICEF reports, The country’s groundwater quality is poor due to natural and anthropogenic factors, including contamination from agricultural runoff and untreated sewage. Most drinking water is sourced from wells, rivers, and springs, which are often polluted. To add to this Afghanistan’s infrastructure for water treatment is underdeveloped, leading to widespread issues with waterborne diseases. In rural areas, access to safe drinking water is even more limited, with many relying on untreated water sources. Efforts to improve water quality are ongoing but hindered by political instability and limited resources. The lack of reliable water quality monitoring and sanitation infrastructure exacerbates the problem, posing serious health risks to the population
2. Iraq
The water quality crisis in Iraq is severe, with rampant pollution threatening the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Decades of conflict, mismanagement, and alleged corruption have degraded the water infrastructure, resulting in significant contamination. Sewage, medical waste, petrochemical toxins, and agricultural runoff are the major pollutants. Many hospitals and factories discharge untreated waste directly into the rivers.
The population, especially in rural areas, lacks access to safe drinking water, leading to health issues spanning the nation. Additionally, water treatment facilities are overloaded and inadequate for the growing population. According to sources, efforts to improve the situation include stricter regulations and new water treatment plans. However, water scarcity, which is worsened by upstream dams in neighboring countries, complicates these efforts.
3. Madagascar
Despite being an island, Madagascar is prone to droughts and has a low water supply. In addition, it has no wastewater treatment at all, which inevitably leads to low drinking water quality.
Although recent supranational efforts have yielded more access to safe drinking water all over the country, the latest reports show that, out of its 28 million population, only half of them have access to clean drinking water. Some reports also demonstrate that only 3.4 million people in the country have a decent toilet facility.
As a result, the water quality in Madagascar is below global health standards, and nearly 6,500 children die yearly from waterborne diseases like diarrhea. But since there are on-going efforts and practices put in place for improving the water quality in Madagascar, we believe that the situation will quickly change in the upcoming years.
4. Eritrea
Eritrea has recently committed to providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all citizens, but the situation in the country is similar to Niger – these targets are set for 2030.
Currently, Many Eritreans lack access to basic water resources, so they use untreated surface water, like rivers, as their main water source.
Considering the lack of wastewater treatment, sanitation, and adequate waste management, these surface water supplies inevitably get polluted with several contaminants varying from chemical compounds in agricultural products to organic waste.
Consequently, gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea and cholera are still common problems in Eritrea due to exposure to contaminated drinking water.
According to the latest UNICEF report, the existing water infrastructure is rarely maintained. Moreover, open defecation is still very much a reality, despite all the UNICEF efforts to mobilize communities all across the country.
Therefore, regardless of the high percentage of access to drinking water, the water quality in Burundi is still alarmingly poor.
5. Bangladesh
With nearly half of its drinking water contaminated by arsenic, Bangladesh is also facing a serious water crisis. The contamination stems from naturally high levels of arsenic in groundwater, which became apparent after millions of wells were dug in the 1970s to avoid polluted surface water.
Chronic arsenic poisoning poses significant health risks, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Climate change makes the issue even worse, as rising sea levels and severe flooding increase arsenic levels in water supplies. Additionally, according to WaterAid, only 59.11% of the population has access to safely managed water, and 86% of the poorest household’s water is contaminated with E. coli. The over-extraction of groundwater is also causing a decline in water tables.
6. India
India’s water pollution crisis has greatly impacted rural and urban populations. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff contribute to widespread contamination of water sources.
According to reports, in rural areas, over 85% of the population relies on groundwater, which is often contaminated with heavy metals, nitrates, arsenic, and fluoride.
Water scarcity is also driving migration, with residents leaving their homes in search of clean water and better living conditions. Climate change has also made the issue worse, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns affecting water availability and quality.
Another area in which India falls short is the enforcement of wastewater treatement, despite regulations being in place. As of now, efforts to improve water quality largely include installing home-based water filtration systems and developing better wastewater management practices.
7. Myanmar
Urban areas in Myanmar, like Yangon, are most affected by the poor water quality there. UN SDG6 data clearly illustrates a lack of investment in monitoring water quality and general water management. Like most of the underperforming nations mentioned, this largely stems from untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
In rural areas, water quality assessments are rare, leaving many unaware of the contamination levels of the groundwater. This, coupled with a lack of reliable water treatment infrastructure, is why waterborne diseases are so widespread in Myanmar.
It’s also worth noting that the nation’s environmental policies and infrastructure development lag significantly behind, further contributing to its low ranking in the 2024 EPI.
8. Laos
Hydropower development along the Mekong River disrupts water flow and increases contamination. Rural communities face extreme water scarcity, relying on polluted sources for daily needs. The 2021 Lao National WASH Survey revealed that only 18% of the population has access to safe water, and sanitation services are inadequate in healthcare facilities.
This lack of infrastructure leaves residents incredibly vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Efforts to address these issues include government-led initiatives to improve water supply and sanitation, supported by international organizations.
9. Pakistan
Pakistan faces one of the most dire water pollution crises, with around 80% of the population lacking access to clean drinking water. Major rivers and groundwater sources are heavily contaminated. Furthermore, the Indus River System, Pakistan’s lifeline, is severely affected by pollution and erratic rainfall patterns.
The country’s water infrastructure is incredibly underdeveloped, leading to greater instances of waterborne diseases such as hepatitis and typhoid. Recent studies revealed that contaminated water is responsible for 80% of illnesses and 30% of deaths in Pakistan.
In this case, urgent measures are needed, including better waste management and stricter regulations. However, efforts towards this are hampered by weak regulatory enforcement and what some deem as a lack of political will.
10. Vietnam
Reports state that only 39% of the rural population in Vietnam has access to safe water. Rapid economic development has led to increased pollution in rivers, primarily from untreated industrial and agricultural waste. The Mekong Delta and other major river basins suffer from contamination, affecting public health. Arsenic contamination is another severe issue, especially in Northern Vietnam, posing risks of cancer and neurological problems.
To address these challenges, the government is implementing digital water management systems and enhancing regulatory frameworks. The World Bank has approved a $311 million project to improve wastewater treatment in southern Vietnam, which is set to benefit over half a million residents.
How Tap Water Is Determined Clean/Safe To Drink
It’s hard to determine if tap water is safe simply by looking at it. Because of this, governing bodies regularly perform water tests to decide whether or not the water is clean and safe to drink.
When they do, they consider the following factors:
Turbidity
Tap water should be clear and free of any visible contaminants. The amount of visible pollutants in water is called turbidity.
Regulatory bodies will test the water’s turbidity to determine its safety. Cloudy water or water with floating particles is a sign that you shouldn’t drink it.
Contaminants
When a government agency chemically tests drinking water, they look for contaminants you can’t see with the naked eye. Contaminants include microorganisms or bacteria that cause illnesses originating from sewage or fecal matter.
If you don’t have access to clean water, remember that bottled water is always an option, as long as it’s been factory-sealed and it’s from a safe source. You can also ensure that your water is safe to drink by following these CDC recommendations for decontamination:
- Boiling your drinking water for at least one full minute;
- Using a chemical disinfectant such as unscented chlorine bleach;
- Portable water filtration systems;
- Using an ultraviolet light.
Pollution
Pollution in an area near a body of water is another way to determine water quality. For example, areas that practice open defecation or where there’s a lot of agricultural runoff will typically have poor drinking water.
Salinity
A water’s salinity will tell you how much salt is in the water. High salt levels can be toxic, causing illness in humans and animals. Increased salinity is present where there’s little rainfall and high evaporation.
What To Do if You Have Bad Tap Water
If you’re traveling abroad or live in an area where tap water is unsafe, you have a few options:
- Boil the water
- Drink only bottled water
- Buy water from water vendors
- Use water purification tablets
- Invest in portable water filters
- Install home filtration systems
Boil Your Water
A common and inexpensive method of sanitizing water is by boiling it. Boiling is all but a guaranteed method to kill germs, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. To properly sanitize water, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one to three minutes. Then, let it cool down and store it in sanitized containers.
Drink Bottled Water
Although maintaining a stock of bottled water can be challenging, it is one of the best ways to ensure you have access to clean water. Bottled water either comes from springs or undergoes rigorous purification processes (purified water), so you won’t have to worry about contamination.
Buy Water from Water Vendors
Water vendors make a living off providing water in some of the hardest-hit regions. The main downside to water vendors is that people often have to travel long distances to reach them. In addition, the water is costly, and sometimes there’s no guarantee it’s safe to drink. Therefore, it’s very important to only buy from vendors you trust.
Use Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets are an effective way to contaminate water safe to drink. They’re easy to use, portable, and kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This may be brand-dependent but they typically require you to simply dissolve a tablet in water and wait for a specified time before consumption.
Invest in Portable Water Filters
For those constantly on the move, protable water filters are reliable option for ensuring safe drinking water on the go. Ideal for camping, hiking, and international travel, they offer the same functionality of a home filtration system but in a compact form. Choose a filter with a high purification rate and long lifespan, for safety and taste.
Install Home Filtration Systems
For a more permanent solution, home filtration systems are a great option. They can remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, and pesticides. Options include under-sink filters, faucet attachments, and whole-house systems. The initial investment cost may be steep but it’s offset by the long-term benefits and peace of mind provided.
Final Thoughts
Access to clean drinking water is a luxury many countries don’t have. Countries with clean water typically enforce stricter regulations while ensuring proper infrastructure and adequate sanitation facilities to process and decontaminate water.
Unfortunately, poor countries often don’t have access to those things. So, if you plan to travel, regularly check your destination’s local water quality reports. Then, if necessary, be prepared to purchase bottled water or use the most convenient water treatment method.
Where does the US stand on the list? Can we see the entire list somewhere? Thx. Rich.
Am I living in an alternative universe when I read the list of countries with clean drinking H2O and somehow Canada didn’t make this list? Keeping in mind the problems that exist in Indigenous communities still in 2023 with their drinking H2O it seems baffling to me that the country as a whole doesn’t rate right up there with the top countries on any list of safe clean purified aqua sources. Have personally drank from lakes with H2O so clear you can see clear down to the bottom while most of the literally millions of H2O sources like freshwater lakes and rivers have never been touched by human hands. Sure would like to know who complied this list.
Hi Wat, thanks for reading. A couple of important points to note in relation to your comments. First, the competition is stiff because we’re talking about the top countries of the world that do a very good job of delivering clean drinking water to their citizens. Second, that’s the dimension to focus in on of how actual drinking provider is provided to citizens. Canada is blessed with excellent water, sure, but how that’s delivered to all population centers and especially in the context of travelers is how this article was written.