Generally Safe
Italy
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Bari?
Generally yes, tap water in Bari is safe to drink. Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP), one of Europe’s largest aqueduct systems, supplies the city with tested, EU-compliant water.
Hardness
Moderately hard to hard
Country
Italy
Rating
Generally Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Bari’s water travels long distances via the Acquedotto Pugliese system, drawing from reservoirs in Basilicata and Campania (Sele-Calore, Pertusillo, Sinni) and supplemented by karstic groundwater from the Murge plateau.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. Trace-level PFAS has been detected in Puglia’s supply but well within EU limits. Some groundwater zones show mild nitrate elevation, also within standards.
Tips
- •AQP water is safe but tastes mineral-heavy — a carbon-filter bottle improves flavour noticeably
- •In the old town (Bari Vecchia), let the tap run for 10–15 seconds to flush standing water from older pipes
- •Many restaurants serve bottled water by default — ask specifically for “acqua del rubinetto” if you want free tap water
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data