Is Lake Como tap water safe to drink?

The tap water in Lake Como is safe to drink and even quite healthy as it comes from the alps. But never drink water from mountain streams as it could contain agricultural wastes, parasites or other unfriendly organism.



Yes, in 2026, the tap water in the Lake Como region is perfectly safe to drink and meets the high safety standards set by the European Union. The water is primarily sourced from deep underground aquifers and natural mountain springs, which are then treated and strictly monitored by local health authorities. While it is safe, the water in Northern Italy is often "hard," meaning it has a high mineral content (calcium and magnesium). This can give the water a slightly "chalky" taste that might differ from what you are used to at home, but it is not harmful. Many towns around the lake, such as Bellagio and Varenna, even have public fountains where you can refill your bottle with chilled, fresh water for free. In 2026, most restaurants will still try to sell you bottled mineral water (acqua minerale) as part of the dining tradition, but you can always ask for "acqua del rubinetto" (tap water) if you prefer. Using tap water is not only safe but also the most environmentally friendly choice, helping to reduce the plastic waste that can impact the lake's delicate ecosystem.

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The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.

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Can you drink tap water in Italy hotels? The water quality across Italy is of a pretty high standard. So you can drink tap water in hotels across Italy with no problems.

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“Hotel water is often as safe as the public water supply where the hotel is located,” Bartell told Verywell in an email. “But some remote hotels have their own private water supplies, which are less regulated.” In some older hotels, tap water might be contaminated by lead pipes, Bartell added.

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The area around Lake Como has a rich historical heritage. It was a popular retreat for Roman aristocrats and later served as a place of inspiration for writers, poets, and philosophers. The region's history and culture have left their mark on the architecture, art, and traditions of the area.

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If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

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In Italy, don't shock your waiter by asking for tap water As Fodors explains, usually, you'll be offered a bottle of still (naturaleor liscia) or sparkling (frizzante or gassata). You might occasionally be offered filtered — but you'll still be expected to pay for it.

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New York City's tap water comes from three main sources outside of the city: the Delaware, Catskill, and Croton watersheds. These watersheds have limited limestone and a natural pH balance of 7.2—as close as it gets to a pure water pH balance of 7.

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Lake Como is generally quite safe at night. The area is well-policed and violent crime is relatively rare. That being said, it's always important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone. Keep your belongings close and try to stick to well-lit, populated areas whenever possible.

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