Is tap water safe to drink in the UK?

Bottled or tap water? It is a simple choice, and it says a lot about our perceptions of safe drinking water. 

A question we are often asked at WaterSafe Register is, ‘Can you drink tap water?’ and more specifically, ‘Is tap water safe to drink in the UK?’ 

The answer for the vast majority of homes and businesses across the country is yes.

The UK has some of the cleanest and most closely monitored drinking water in the world. Strict regulation and testing by drinking water regulators and water suppliers ensure that tap water meets extremely high safety standards, often exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines. 

Why do people drink tap water? 

There are several reasons why drinking tap water remains the top choice for many:

• Convenient: Always available when you need it

• Low cost: Tap water costs a fraction of bottled water, with two litres costing less than a penny compared to around 90p for bottled

• Better for the environment: It reduces plastic waste and has a significantly lower carbon footprint than bottled water production and transport

• High quality: Strong industry standards help ensure UK tap water remains amongst the best in the world 

How is UK tap water kept safe? 

In the UK, we have multiple systems to ensure that tap water is safe to drink. These include:

• Water treatment processes to remove harmful substances before water enters the supply

• Regular testing and monitoring to ensure standards and quality

• Strict drinking water standards enforced by regulators such as the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England and Wales, DWI Northern Ireland and Scotland’s Drinking Water Quality Regulator.

Water suppliers are responsible for ensuring the quality of drinking water up to the boundary of your property. Beyond this point, the condition and maintenance of internal plumbing is the homeowners’ responsibility but it can affect the quality of water coming out of the tap.

Common concerns about drinking tap water

Here, we address some of the most common concerns about tap water:

Tastes different 

Tap water can taste different depending on where you live. This is usually due to natural minerals or the source of the water. A change in taste does not mean it is unsafe to drink. Drinking water has a small amount of chlorine added to make sure it is free from bacteria from the point it leaves the water treatment works, to the point of use. This small amount of residual chlorine is not harmful, but if the taste bothers you, you can store water in a covered container in the fridge and allow the chlorine to naturally dissipate.

Cloudy or discoloured 

Sometimes water may appear cloudy or slightly discoloured. This can often be caused by air bubbles or temporary disturbances. Water which appears white or cloudy, but clears from the bottom upwards, is due to harmless air bubbles in the water. Brown or rust-coloured water can be normal after an interruption to water supply, such as a nearby burst pipe. It is usually caused by deposits of iron or manganese within the water and is not harmful.

If it persists or if the cloudiness settles into a sediment at the bottom of the glass, it may be worth investigating further with your water supplier.

Older plumbing systems 

In some homes, older pipework or poor plumbing practices can affect water quality. This is why it is important to ensure an approved professional carries out any plumbing work.

If you have concerns about your system, it is important not to attempt fixes yourself. Instead, contact a WaterSafe registered plumber who is qualified to work in compliance with water regulations.

Is Bathroom Tap Water Safe to Drink?

In most modern homes, bathroom tap water comes from the same mains supply as kitchen taps. However, the recommended choice for drinking tap water is always the cold kitchen tap.

This is because household plumbing can influence water quality, and around a third of water quality failures are linked to issues within the home. Kitchen taps are typically used more frequently and are less likely to be affected by factors such as stored water or stagnation.

How to check the quality of your drinking water? 

If you want to know more about the quality of your drinking water, there are simple steps you can take:

• Check your local water company’s website for detailed water quality reports in your area

• Note any unusual taste, smell or appearance and consider common household causes first

• If concerns persist, contact your water supplier for guidance

If a plumbing issue could be the cause, the best advice is to seek help from a WaterSafe-registered plumber to ensure your supply remains safe to drink. 

Summary

So, can you drink tap water in the UK? The short answer is, yes!

UK tap water is safe, affordable and better for the environment. It is monitored rigorously and continually, regulated to strict standards and readily available whenever you need it.

Whilst the standard of water is closely checked up to your property, the internal plumbing system is the responsibility of the owner or landlord. 

If you have any concerns about your plumbing system, WaterSafe Register’s free online search facility can help you find competent and qualified plumbers to carry out an inspection. 

Click here to get started https://www.WaterSafe.org.uk/approved_contractors/