Can I Drink Tap Water in Rome?
Safe
Quick Answer
Rome's tap water is safe, clean, and regularly tested to meet EU standards. The iconic nasoni fountains provide free drinking water throughout the city.
Rome maintains one of Europe's highest-quality water systems, with over 2,500 public drinking fountains (nasoni) providing safe, free drinking water. The water comes primarily from the Peschiera Spring and undergoes nearly half a million analytical checks annually. ACEA, Rome's official water operator, confirms the water is safe, controlled, and sustainable. All tap water meets rigorous EU safety standards and is suitable for visitors and residents alike.
Water Quality Details
Rome's water infrastructure is managed by ACEA, which conducts extensive quality monitoring through continuous testing with instruments located throughout the water systems. In 2023, 419,940 analyses were conducted with compliance rates between 96-100%. The primary water source is the Peschiera Spring, one of Europe's largest and most reliable sources. Water treatment includes chlorination, filtration, and flocculation. The water is hard due to mineral content, but this does not affect safety. In certain volcanic areas of Lazio region, groundwater contains elevated fluoride, arsenic, and vanadium levels, but Rome's water meets all safety standards. The famous nasoni fountains, first introduced in 1874, are directly connected to the same distribution system that supplies homes and are safe for drinking.
Water sourceGroundwater
TreatmentChlorination, Filtration, Flocculation
HardnessHard
Practical Tips
- Check local water quality reports before drinking tap water
- Bottled water is available as an alternative
Traveler Advice
Risk level: low
Diarrhea risk: low
Travelers to Rome should check current water quality advisories before their trip.
Sources & References
official_report
travel_advisory
Data confidence: medium
Last updated: 2026-02-22