Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Albania?

Albania's water sector has 15 Regional Utilities. The largest is UKT (Tirana), supplied from Bovilla Reservoir and Selita spring. UKT is receiving EUR 30 million EBRD investment for treatment expansion.

Aging distribution networks lose an estimated 66% of water through leaks. Intermittent supply allows sewage infiltration during low-pressure periods. Bacterial contamination has been detected in multiple districts. Only 28% of wastewater is treated.

Tirana has the most modern infrastructure with active EU-funded upgrades, but aging pipes and intermittent supply in some neighborhoods create risk. The Albanian Riviera has tourism infrastructure that outpaces water capacity. Northern Albania has among the weakest infrastructure.

Moderately hard to hard, roughly 126–462 mg/L in Tirana depending on source..

No, most Albanians prefer bottled water or home filtration. The majority of urban residents use bottled water or delivered water dispensers.

• •Drink only bottled water in Albania — it is affordable and widely available
• •Avoid ice in drinks and use bottled water for brushing teeth, especially outside Tirana
• •In guesthouses and rural areas, ask about the water source — many use untreated spring water

• •Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth throughout Albania
• •Avoid ice and uncooked foods washed with tap water outside major hotels
• •Be especially cautious in summer along the coast when water rationing strains infrastructure