There are cities in the world that pride themselves on having the best running water, although in many cases they were also lucky with the geology of the place.
Drinking water is a scarce resource and not always available to everyone everywhere. However, in some privileged places in the world, either because of their geography or their facilities, tap water is of better quality than bottled water.
In most developed countries, tap water is purified and chlorinated, and its consumption is perfectly healthy. However, this does not always mean that the water tastes good. Minerals dissolved in water, chlorine content and possible contamination can alter the taste of water.
Specifically, excess calcium and other minerals make the water taste distinct. The absence of limestone in the environment and, on the contrary, the presence of granitic massifs and high mountains usually provide water with lower mineral content and, therefore, greater purity.
Likewise, in cold areas of the planet, water has a lower risk of contamination by bacteria or algae. Also, chlorine does not dissipate as easily when it is cold and it is not necessary to add as much. Therefore, cities close to high mountains or with cold climates tend to have better quality water.
Let’s take a look at our list of cities that can pride themselves on having the cleanest water on the planet.
Copenhagen, Denmark)
Copenhagen is a beautiful city in Denmark known for the famous Tivoli Gardens, as well as its canals and harbour. Another surprising aspect of the city is drinking water. In fact, drinking water is so clean and tasty that the city doesn’t add chlorine or other chemicals to purify it.
The secret of water is in strict daily quality controls. Furthermore, Copenhagen is strictly against plastic waste and has placed a large number of free public water fountains throughout the city. If you visit Denmark’s beautiful capital, grab your own bottle and fill it.
Reykjavik (Iceland)
Iceland is always a fascinating visit, with its wild and volcanic nature. The capital offers numerous museums focused on its Viking history. In addition to preserving the ancient culture, the authorities in Reykjavik also maintain very strict quality control of its water to guarantee the safety and health of its inhabitants.
In Reykjavik, 95 percent of the water comes from underground springs, so there is no chance of contamination compared to river water elsewhere. Tests concluded that Icelandic water generally does not contain appreciable amounts of chlorine, calcium or nitrates.
Nuuk (Greenland)
Besides having a beautiful coastal landscape of colorful houses and amazing nature, Nuuk also provides clean and safe water for its inhabitants. Although programs exist to provide clean water from icebergs, most of the supply is collected from lakes and rivers with regular monitoring and surveillance.
The Greenland government is generally very involved, not just in quality control, but in the regular inspection of control factories. The result is a supply of clean, fresh water for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Helsinki, Finland)
Known for its fresh air and beautiful, unspoiled nature, Helsinki is a paradise. However, for some time its waters were contaminated by the industrial activity that surrounds the city. The Finnish capital has taken the challenge seriously and now provides the highest quality piped water for all its inhabitants. Collected from Lake Päijänne, the water catchment is described as ecological and economical, saving the city’s mountains of plastic waste from bottled water. Tap water not only meets strict regulations on chemical and microbiological limits, it is also appealing to the senses as one of the sweetest waters in the world.
Munich, Germany)
In addition to the strong beer during Oktoberfest, Munich is also known for another liquid, as it keeps tap water surprisingly clean. In fact, according to the German Consumer Organization, tap water in Munich is much healthier than bottled water. It contains minerals in the right amount and, of course, it’s much greener.
In the city, residents are encouraged to fill their bottles at the tap instead of creating plastic waste. One of Munich’s well-known sources of water is from the neighboring Alps, where the mountain springs are clear and crystal clear. Still, the water goes through rigorous filtration processes to ensure removal of any harmful pathogens and retain beneficial minerals.
Oslo, Norway)
Norway already has one of the most exclusive bottled water brands, Voss. However, Oslo (and other cities across the country) also have impressively clean tap water. As the country focuses on hydroelectric power, tap water in the capital, Oslo, is always excellent. A recent report ranked Oslo’s water cleanliness 94 out of 100. The government plays a big role in constantly monitoring and maintaining water quality.
Bern (Switzerland)
The Alpine country, in addition to giving the world inventions such as the Swiss army knife and Velcro, has cities with the best waters in the world. In Bern, around 40% of the water comes from natural sources found in the Alps. These mountain springs are self-purifying, infiltrating rock layers similar to groundwater. Even so, in Bern, they practice additional mineral and underground water treatment. On the outskirts of the city there are several reservoirs that further purify the water from the spring and transfer it to all domestic pipes in a fast, cheap and ecologically efficient way.
Stockholm, Sweden)
While Swedish lakes have been victims of acidification from climate change, the country has made progress in purifying water. The water supply in the city of Stockholm is the result of all this work, having received ISO quality certification in 2017, stating that the water is of high and consistent quality.
The key is to purify the lake water in several stages, incorporating mechanical and chemical methods to remove any contaminants and improve the overall taste of the water. Don’t worry if it’s slightly salty as it could mean the water is rich in minerals.
Toronto Canada)
Toronto is a beautiful city in Ontario (Canada), where the famous CN Tower and many other attractions are located. In addition to maintaining a beautiful city, authorities also monitor the quality of the piped water. In fact, drinking water is tested every 6 hours to ensure safety and taste.
Even without constant inspections, the water collected in Lake Ontario must undergo a rigorous mechanical and chemical filter test to be admitted to the supply. The result is completely safe tap water with a clean and abundant taste. Since the water is extensively tested for chemical traces and bacteria, you can rest easy drinking Toronto water.
Des Moines (USA)
Ranked by Forbes as the best drinking water city in the United States, this Iowa city far exceeds US Environmental Protection Agency standards with extremely low levels of bacteria, lead, haloacetic acid and turbidity compared to its own competitors. The secret is simply a rigorous and precise filtration system from the moment water is collected from the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers. In fact, automatic nitrate detectors are installed in rivers to constantly monitor mineral levels. A website updates the data every few days so that ordinary citizens can be aware of different chemical readings.
Which cities have the best running water in Spain?
Cities like Madrid and Granada are traditionally considered to have the best running water, while large coastal cities like Barcelona and Valencia have the worst quality. While these differences remain, a analysis carried out by the Union of Consumers and Users (OCU) in 2014, found that the best tap water in Spain is found in three cities:
- Burgos: few minerals, no lime, no contaminants of any kind.
- San Sebastian: it is a water with very light mineralization and excellent in all hygiene and contamination parameters.
- Gran Canaria’s palm trees: Although it may seem surprising that the water is in a city located on an island, where water resources are limited, the Canary capital provides excellent quality water from a mixture of sources (desallinators, own wells and aquifers).
Quo Science Travel Section sponsored by Hyundai