Safe Europe · Last reviewed: August 28, 2026

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Czech Republic?

Yes, Prague's tap water is safe and meets EU drinking water standards.

It's a quirk of local pricing and taxation on bottled beverages, not a reflection of tap water safety — tap water remains safe and free to request.

Yes, quality is consistently safe across cities and towns nationwide.

Yes, tap water in the Czech Republic is safe to drink throughout the country, including Prague, and meets EU drinking water standards.

Hardness

Moderate

Locals Drink It?

Yes

Region

Europe

Cities Covered

Water Source

Prague and other cities draw from a mix of reservoirs and groundwater, treated to EU standards by regional water companies.

No significant health concerns; some older buildings in Prague's historic center may have aging internal plumbing.

Safe in Prague, Brno, and throughout the country.

Moderate, roughly 150–250 mg/L, varying by region..

Soft

Moderate

Hard

Very Hard

Yes, tap water is standard throughout Czech households.

•Prague tap water is safe despite beer being famously cheaper than bottled water in some bars
•No need to buy bottled water in restaurants
•Older historic buildings may benefit from running the tap briefly first

No special precautions needed

Is Prague tap water safe to drink?

Why is beer cheaper than water in some Czech bars?

Is tap water safe throughout the Czech Republic, not just Prague?

The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.