Can You Drink The Tap Water In Turkey?
If you’re traveling to Turkey soon, you may be asking yourself, “Can I drink the tap water in Turkey?”
This was the question I had before my recent travels to Turkey. Since I was traveling to Turkey with family, I was especially keen to know the safety of the drinking water there.
After extensive research on the topic, the short answer is: Yes, you can drink the tap water in Turkey.
In large cities such as Istanbul, Turkish tap water is safe to drink. However, there are some areas where tourists should opt for bottled water or a traditional Turkish drink instead.
In this post, I answer the question, “Can you drink the tap water in Turkey?” I’ll outline everything you need to know about Turkish tap water to help you make an informed decision on whether or not to drink Turkish tap water.
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Is tap water safe in Turkey?
Officially, Turkish tap water is safe to drink. However, heavy chlorination used to purify the water often makes the taste unpalatable. The tap water in Turkey often has a chemical, chlorine taste which can be off-putting. Therefore, many tourists and locals opt for bottled water instead.
While the water itself is safe, there are other reasons to avoid tap water in Turkey. In some areas, rusted old metal pipes and outdated plumbing infrastructure can lead to rust and calcification entering the water, which can cause health problems.
According to a study by WaterAid, in 2015 99% of Turkey had access to clean drinking water. This is compared to 95% in the year 2000. This statistic shows that the majority of Turkey has clean drinking water. Still, there are some places where the water is not safe to drink.
Should tourists drink the tap water in Turkey?
Tourists should avoid drinking tap water when visiting Turkey. Many mild stomach problems experienced by tourists are often linked to drinking tap water.
While tourists can choose to drink tap water in major cities like Istanbul and Antalya, for health and safety reasons they should not drink tap water in rural areas or the eastern side of the country.
How does tap water taste in Turkey?
I found Turkish tap water to have a metallic taste. This is due to the heavy chlorination used to purify the drinking water. This metallic taste makes the tap water less than delicious. This is partly why many people, including locals, opt for bottled water instead.
Alternatives to drinking Turkish tap water
There are many options besides tap water to drink in Turkey.
Bottled water
Bottled water is affordable and readily available across Turkey. Bottled water is the best alternative to drinking tap water in Turkey.
Some popular bottled water brands in Turkey are Erikli and Buzdağı. These two brands are favored by locals, and are easy to find across the country. Which brand of bottled water you get doesn’t really matter as they will all quench your thirst.
Other Turkish drinks
Turkey has many delicious traditional drinks that visitors will love. If you’re thirsty and tired of water, grab yourself a Turkish tea or coffee. If you’re visiting Turkey in the winter, grab yourself a cup of warm salep – the perfect drink on a snowy day!
Bring a filter or filtering water bottle
The main issue with relying on bottled water is the environmental impact of single-use plastics. To reduce your carbon footprint, bring along a water filter or water bottle with a filter system. This way you can safely drink tap water without the negative environmental impact of bottled water.
Is bottled water expensive in Turkey?
Bottled water in Turkey is inexpensive and easy to find. A small half-liter bottle of water typically costs around 1 Turkish lira. Sometimes refrigerated water will cost a little more.
Where can I find bottled water in Turkey?
You can find bottled water almost anywhere in Turkey. Restaurants always have bottled water on the menu. Convenience stores are abundant in small towns and large cities and sell many brands of bottled water. Many tourist shops and museum stores sell bottled water as well.
FAQ: Tap water in Turkey
In major Turkish cities, you can generally drink Turkish water from the tap. However, the water is heavily chlorinated and does not taste good. In rural parts of Turkey, tap water may be unsafe to drink.
Most likely nothing bad will happen to you if you drink the tap water in most parts of Turkey. You may get some mild stomach cramping, but you will likely be fine.
Yes, you can brush your teeth with tap water in Turkey. I regularly used tap water to brush my teeth in Turkey and had no issues.
The tap water in Antalya, Turkey, is generally safe to drink, but it’s always best to exercise caution and check with local authorities or your hotel regarding the current conditions. In some areas, tap water may contain minerals or other substances that can cause digestive issues for some individuals. As a result, many tourists and locals opt to drink bottled water instead.
Ice in Turkey is made typically made from mineral water, meaning it is safe to drink.
The water quality in Turkey can vary depending on the location and source of the water. In general, tap water in large cities such as Istanbul and Antalya is treated and considered safe to drink, although some residents and tourists may still prefer to drink bottled water due to its taste or mineral content. However, water quality can be an issue in rural areas or in small towns, where water treatment facilities may not be as advanced. In these cases, it is recommended to drink only bottled water.
Yes, you can drink Turkish tap water that has been boiled. I recommend waiting for it to cool down a bit first though.
Yes, you can drink the tap water in Istanbul. However, many locals prefer to drink bottled water due to a recent history of unclean drinking water in the city.
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Ankara, Turkey. The tap water in Ankara is tested daily and monitored by the local authorities and is considered safe for consumption. However, tourists may find the heavily chlorinated taste off-putting and opt for bottled water instead.
Istanbul airport has designated clean water stations offering both cold and hot drinking water. You should use these water stations and not drink the tap water in Istanbul airport.
Tap water in Izmir is generally not safe to drink, especially for tourists. Many locals opt for bottled water instead. To avoid gastrointestinal issues, you should drink bottled water in Izmir.
In Cappadocia, Turkey, tap water is treated and considered safe for consumption. However, it’s always wise to check with the local authorities or your hotel for the most up-to-date information on the current conditions of the tap water in the area you’re visiting. Just to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to exercise caution when drinking tap water in unfamiliar places.
Final Thoughts: Can you drink the tap water in Turkey?
So, can you drink the tap water in Turkey? Well, most of the time, yes! The tap water in Turkey’s major cities is monitored and treated to ensure it’s safe to drink. Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check with the locals or your hotel for the latest information or to get their insights. Despite water safety, some people might prefer to drink bottled water because they dislike the harsh, chlorinated taste of the tap water in Turkey. Whether or not you decide to drink the tap water in Turkey, just remember that, when in doubt about the safety of water in any region of the country, it’s always better to play it safe and go for bottled water.