Generally Safe Georgia · Last reviewed: August 28, 2026

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Tbilisi?

Q: Is Tbilisi tap water safe to drink?

Generally yes. Georgian Water and Power delivers mountain-sourced water that meets WHO guidelines. In older Soviet-era buildings, a brief flush of the tap is advisable as a precaution.

Q: Does building age affect water quality in Tbilisi?

Yes. Soviet-era apartment blocks (built 1950s–1980s) may have corroded internal plumbing. Renovated and newer buildings provide consistently clean water at the tap.

Q: Can I drink from the sulphur spring fountains in Tbilisi?

The sulphur springs in Abanotubani are used for bathing, not drinking — the strong sulphur taste and mineral content make them unpleasant to drink. Regular tap water from the city supply is the drinking source.

Q: How does Tbilisi water compare to other Georgian cities?

Tbilisi has the most modern infrastructure. Batumi and Kutaisi also have generally safe supplies. Smaller towns and rural areas may have less reliable treatment.

Generally yes, tap water in Tbilisi is safe to drink. Georgian Water and Power (GWP) supplies the capital with water from mountain reservoirs and deep artesian wells, and the supply meets WHO guidelines at the source and treatment plants.

Hardness

Moderate

Country

Georgia

Rating

Generally Safe

Soft

Moderate

Hard

Very Hard

Water Source

Tbilisi’s water comes from the Zhinvali and Tbilisi reservoirs on the Aragvi River, supplemented by deep artesian wells. The Grmagele and Saguramo treatment plants use modern filtration and chlorination. Georgia’s mountainous terrain provides naturally clean source water.

Contaminants & Concerns

No significant contamination at the treatment level. The main concern is building-level plumbing in Soviet-era apartment blocks, which may have corroded internal pipes that introduce rust and sediment. Newer buildings and renovated properties have reliable water quality throughout.

Tips

•Tap water in central Tbilisi is safe to drink, especially in newer buildings and renovated apartments
•In older Soviet-era buildings, let the tap run for 10–15 seconds before filling your glass to flush any standing water from old pipes
•Georgia’s many natural mineral springs are a cultural highlight — look for sulphur spring fountains in the Abanotubani bathhouse district

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tbilisi tap water safe to drink?

Does building age affect water quality in Tbilisi?

Can I drink from the sulphur spring fountains in Tbilisi?

How does Tbilisi water compare to other Georgian cities?

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

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