The amount of bottled water in the EU is insane, lol. I'd always Google it just to be sure, but the tap water is always drinkable, so I try to do that instead of buying a ton of bottles (or getting them at restaurants. I wish parts of the EU had more water fountains and refill stations for metal water bottles.

I'm guessing it's more of a cultural thing from the postwar reconstruction?

[–] Bohurt@lemm.ee 7 points 2 days ago

The reason behind bottled water is a mixture of bad taste, hardness and lack of trust for watter supply (age related thing). Hence why additional filters have become somewhat popular (from small bottles with built-in filters that you fill on the go up to large separate installations that filter water for entire house). Everything depends on type of water available in certain areas. Cities by the mountains are the best in that aspect as they are often supplied with water directly from the mountains.

[–] Evotech@lemmy.world 9 points 3 days ago (1 children)

It's not always drinkable, especially not as a tourist.

I wouldn't drink tap water in Crete for instance

[–] Echolynx@lemmy.zip 9 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I mean, the rules are always a bit different for islands.

[–] Evotech@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

Just an example, there's plenty other instances of towns and areas.

[–] Haarukkateroitin@sopuli.xyz 7 points 3 days ago

Officially tap water in Malta is drinkable but somehow several hotels I visited have instructed not to drink tap water and office I used had water filters installed on tap.

There is problems in EU countries too so I would not always trust the official declaration especially when country has higher level corruption - example like Malta.

[–] Rob1992@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

It's because aside from a few countries, everyone puts chlorine in their water. It stinks and tastes awefull