The Best Tap Water in the World, According to Reddit

There’s a lot of hype around who has the best tap water in the world. Many consider New York City top-notch for tap and even credit it for the magnificence of the city’s pizza and bagels. However, according to a new report, a few destinations could rival the Big Apple’s taste and quality. 

In February, the Medical Travel Insurance specialists at AllClear released a report analyzing more than 2,000 Reddit comments identifying the most frequently mentioned destinations for the best-tasting tap water on Earth. 

“Access to clean, great-tasting water is a simple but essential part of travel comfort. Being able to drink safely from the tap while exploring a new destination is a major advantage for travelers — not only saving money on bottled water but also reducing plastic waste,” Chris Rolland, the CEO of AllClear, shared in a statement provided to Food & Wine. 

After reviewing all the comments, the team found that Scotland was the most frequently mentioned destination in Europe and the second most mentioned location in the world. The report noted that travelers particularly praise the water from the Highlands and lochs, particularly Loch Katrine, for its “bottled-water taste.” 

Best Tap Water in the World

Central and Northern Europe

• Scotland

• Norway

• Iceland

• Switzerland

• Autria

• Germany

North America

• New York

• Washington

• Oregon

• Colorado

• Michigan

• British Columbia

• Quebec

Nordic nations also reached the top of the list, with Norway and Iceland getting the “most tap water love.” The report stated, “In Iceland, tap water is so widely consumed that bottled water is labeled in English, as it’s largely tourists who purchase it.” Also joining the European list are Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, which all got praise for their delicious Alpine tap water. 

However, the most mentioned location across all threads analyzed by the team is, of course, New York City, “where locals feel very strongly that their water — sourced from the Catskills — is the best in the world,” the findings reported.

As for other states where travelers say the tap water is better than bottled, the Northwest reigned supreme, with Washington and Oregon getting shoutouts. “I never had ‘good’ tap water until I moved to Washington state,” one Redditor stated. Other highly ranked states include Colorado, Michigan, Alaska, and Louisiana. 

“The quality of drinking water is a key consideration when traveling, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or specific medical conditions,” Rolland added. “If you’re visiting a new destination, it’s always wise to check how the local water is managed and whether the quality aligns with your needs. Above all, staying hydrated while traveling is key — so whether you’re drinking from the bottle or the tap, ensure you consume enough water each day to avoid becoming unwell from dehydration, particularly in hotter countries.”