Is Istanbul Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Istanbul's tap water is generally considered safe to drink, meeting Turkish and EU standards for potable water quality.
However, some locals and visitors may still experience stomach issues due to differences in water treatment and bacteria.
It's recommended to take precautions: let tap water run for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider using a water filter or bottle.
Turkey is ranked as number 69 globally with a score of 63.7% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources: Ömerli Dam, Alibeyköy Dam, and Terkos Lake.
Additionally, some tap water is supplied from underground sources, including wells and springs in the nearby mountains.
Treatment plants, such as those in Çamlık and Büyükçekmece, process the water before distributing it to the city's network.
Istanbul Drinking Fountains
Some public drinking fountains in Istanbul are safe to drink from, marked as "İçme Suyu" or "Muon Sistemleri".
These fountains use natural underground water sources, which are tested regularly to ensure quality and safety.
It's still recommended to take precautions, such as checking the fountain's maintenance and cleanliness before drinking.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Istanbul. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.