Is Canberra Tap Water Safe To Drink?

Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.

Yes. Tap water in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, is safe to drink and is treated to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

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Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

Icon Water monitors and manages the supply, with oversight from ACT health authorities. The water is routinely tested for microbiological, chemical, and physical quality.

Last checked: 2026-08-31

Australia is ranked as number 7 globally with a score of 99.5% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in Canberra, Australia

Canberra’s tap water mainly comes from the Cotter River catchment and Googong Reservoir. The Cotter system includes Corin, Bendora and Cotter dams, while Googong Reservoir is supplied by the Queanbeyan River.

Water is treated at the Stromlo and Googong water treatment plants before entering Canberra’s distribution network. During periods of low storage, water can also be transferred from the Murrumbidgee River through the Cotter Pumping Station.

Canberra Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in Canberra are generally safe to use because they are supplied with treated drinking water that meets Australian drinking water standards. The ACT’s water supply is routinely monitored for safety and quality.

Use fountains marked as drinking water and avoid any that are damaged, dirty, or labelled non-potable. Follow any current health warnings, and let the tap run briefly if the water has been sitting unused.

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. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.

Nearby Places

Goulburn (80 km)

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.