Safe
United Kingdom
·
Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in London?
Yes, tap water in London is safe to drink and meets strict UK regulatory standards, though it is among the hardest in the country due to the region's chalk and limestone geology.
Hardness
Very hard
Country
United Kingdom
Rating
Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Thames Water supplies London primarily from the River Thames and River Lee, along with groundwater from underlying chalk aquifers, treated at several major works and moved across the city through the Thames Water Ring Main, a deep transfer tunnel.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. Heavy limescale from hard water is the most common household complaint.
Tips
- •Kitchen cold tap is the drinking water tap; some older properties have separate unfiltered bathroom supplies
- •A filter jug (e.g., Brita) is common in London households mainly for taste and limescale
- •Tap water refill points are widely available across the city
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