Is Canberra Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

Tap water in Canberra, Australia, meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, ensuring it is safe and clean for consumption. It is regularly tested for contaminants.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

The water primarily comes from protected catchments in the ACT, treated at advanced facilities to control microbial and chemical risks effectively.

Residents and visitors can safely drink Canberra tap water without boiling or additional treatment unless advised during specific events like maintenance or contamination incidents.

Last checked: 2025-06-28

Source of Water in Canberra, Australia

Canberra's tap water mainly originates from three protected catchments: Cotter, Bendora, and Googong reservoirs. These provide high-quality surface water.

The catchments are located in forested areas, minimizing contamination risk and supporting natural water filtration processes before treatment.

Water is treated at Canberra’s treatment plants, ensuring it meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for safety and quality before distribution.

Canberra Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Canberra are maintained to meet health and safety standards, making them generally safe for use. Regular cleaning is conducted.

Water supplied to fountains is treated tap water, adhering to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to ensure potability.

Users should report any visible damage or contamination to authorities, but overall, these fountains provide safe drinking water to the public.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Canberra. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

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.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in Canberra is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.