Is Amsterdam Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Yes, tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink. It is treated and regularly tested to meet strict Dutch and European drinking water standards.
No boiling is normally needed, and the water is suitable for drinking and cooking. In very old buildings, internal lead pipes may affect water quality, so use cold water from the tap and consider checking the plumbing.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Netherlands is ranked as number 25 globally with a score of 88.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s tap water mainly comes from the River Rhine. Water is pretreated, infiltrated into the dunes near the coast, and naturally filtered before being pumped and treated for drinking.
A smaller share comes from groundwater in the Bethunepolder north of Amsterdam. Waternet manages these sources and supplies the treated water through Amsterdam’s drinking-water network.
Amsterdam Drinking Fountains
Yes, public drinking fountains in Amsterdam are generally safe to use and supply treated tap water that meets strict Dutch drinking-water standards. The water is regularly monitored for quality and safety.
Use fountains that are clearly marked as drinking-water points and avoid any that appear damaged or have a warning sign. Let the water run briefly before drinking, especially if the fountain has not been used recently.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Amsterdam. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
Nearby Places
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.