Is Hangzhou Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Hangzhou, China, meets national safety standards after treatment, but it is generally not recommended for direct drinking.
Common practice in Hangzhou is to boil tap water before consumption to eliminate potential microbial contamination.
Bottled or filtered water is preferred by locals and visitors for drinking to ensure safety and taste quality.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
China is ranked as number 44 globally with a score of 74.5% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Hangzhou, China
Hangzhou's tap water primarily comes from the Qiantang River, a key surface water source for the city.
Groundwater also supplements water supply, sourced from local wells and aquifers.
Water treatment plants process these sources to ensure they meet safety and quality regulations before distribution.
Hangzhou Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Hangzhou are generally treated but may not consistently meet high hygiene standards.
Bacteria or contamination risks exist due to maintenance or water source variability.
Using bottled or boiled water is safer than relying on public fountains for drinking.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Hangzhou. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
(598 km)
(698 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.