Safe
United Kingdom
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Edinburgh?
Yes, tap water in Edinburgh is safe to drink and among the softest and best-tasting in the UK, supplied by Scottish Water from upland reservoirs in the Scottish Borders.
Hardness
Soft
Country
United Kingdom
Rating
Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Scottish Water supplies Edinburgh from the Megget and Talla Reservoirs in the Scottish Borders, fed by upland rainfall in sparsely populated catchment areas, producing naturally soft and clean source water.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. The soft upland reservoir water requires standard treatment and has consistently low mineral content.
Tips
- •Edinburgh tap water is unusually soft for the UK, with a clean, neutral taste
- •No need to buy bottled water anywhere in the city
- •Hotel and restaurant tap water is the same high-quality supply throughout
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