Generally Safe Asia · Last reviewed: August 28, 2026

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Taiwan?

Q: Is Taipei tap water safe to drink?

Taipei's water meets WHO standards at the treatment plant. Most locals still boil it due to concerns about old building plumbing. Newer buildings with modern plumbing have safer tap water.

Q: Why do Taiwanese people boil water?

It's a cultural practice reflecting concerns about aging internal plumbing and rooftop storage tanks in older buildings, not the treated municipal supply itself.

Q: Is bottled water easy to find in Taiwan?

Yes, convenience stores are on virtually every block in Taiwanese cities, and all sell bottled water. Many public buildings also have free filtered water dispensers.

Yes, tap water in Taipei meets WHO drinking water standards, but most Taiwanese still boil water before drinking due to concerns about aging building plumbing. Bottled and boiled water are the cultural norm.

Hardness

Soft to moderate in Taipei (roughly 50–100 mg/L from reservoir water). Harder in southern and central Taiwan from groundwater sources.

Locals Drink It?

Mixed

Region

Asia

Cities Covered

Water Source

The Taiwan Water Corporation (TWC) supplies about 92% of the population. Taipei draws from the Feitsui Reservoir and Nanshi River, treated at modern plants. Southern Taiwan relies more on seasonal river sources.

Contaminants & Concerns

Treatment plants produce safe water, but aging internal plumbing in older buildings (lead solder, rusting pipes, rooftop tanks) can affect quality at the tap. The government has invested heavily in replacing old lead service lines.

Regional Variations

Taipei has the best infrastructure and water quality. Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan face more seasonal variation due to typhoon-affected river sources. Rural mountain areas have simpler treatment.

Water Hardness

Soft to moderate in Taipei (roughly 50–100 mg/L from reservoir water). Harder in southern and central Taiwan from groundwater sources..

Soft

Moderate

Hard

Very Hard

Do Locals Drink Tap Water?

Most Taiwanese boil or filter tap water before drinking, though the treated supply meets WHO standards. Water dispensers in offices and public buildings are ubiquitous.

Tips for Travelers

•Boiled or filtered water is the local standard — most hotels provide electric kettles
•Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) sell bottled water everywhere
•Many public buildings have free hot and cold water dispensers using filtered water