Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Georgia?

Tbilisi is supplied by Georgian Water and Power (GWP) from the Aragvi River basin groundwater and Zhinvali Reservoir. Two main treatment plants serve the capital. Other cities are served by UWSCG regional branches and the Batumi Water Company.

Aging Soviet-era infrastructure is the main concern, with no major rehabilitation between 1987 and 2004. Tbilisi's 3,600 km distribution network has aging iron and steel pipes. Outside Tbilisi, many towns historically did not disinfect consistently.

Tbilisi has 24-hour safe water supply since about 2013, with ISO-accredited testing. Batumi has treated water though aging pipes remain a concern. Other cities like Kutaisi and Rustavi have weaker infrastructure. Rural mountain areas often have pristine springs but without consistent treatment.

Soft to moderate in Tbilisi, roughly 115–185 mg/L total dissolved solids..

Yes, locals in Tbilisi drink tap water daily. GWP confirms it meets WHO standards. Some use pitcher filters mainly for taste.

• •Tap water is safe to drink in Tbilisi, especially in newer buildings — in older Soviet-era apartments, let the tap run briefly
• •Outside Tbilisi, use bottled water or a portable filter, especially in rural guesthouses
• •Bottled water is very affordable and widely available throughout Georgia

• •In rural areas and mountain villages, boil or filter water before drinking as sources may be untreated
• •In older Tbilisi buildings, run the cold tap briefly to flush any rust from aging pipes