Is Kaohsiung Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is treated and generally meets Taiwan’s drinking water standards, making it safe to drink from the public supply. The water utility monitors treatment plants and distribution water for microbial and chemical contaminants.
Older buildings may have aging pipes or rooftop storage tanks that affect taste or water quality after treatment. For drinking, use a building with well-maintained plumbing, or boil or filter the water if the plumbing or storage tank condition is uncertain.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
Taiwan is ranked as number 59 globally with a score of 69% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung’s tap water mainly comes from surface water in the Gaoping River system, including water diverted at the Kaoping Weir. Additional supplies come from reservoirs such as Chengcing Lake, Fengshan, and Nanhua.
The raw water is sent to municipal water treatment plants, where it is filtered, disinfected, and tested before entering the distribution network. The treated water then flows through pipelines to homes and businesses across Kaohsiung, including the area historically known as Takao.
Kaohsiung Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Kaohsiung are generally safe when they are marked as potable and maintained by a public authority. Taiwan’s treated tap water is regulated under national drinking water standards, and designated fountains are routinely cleaned and tested.
Use fountains that display a maintenance or inspection notice, and let the water run briefly before drinking. Avoid any fountain that is visibly dirty, damaged, stagnant, or lacks clear potable-water labeling.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Kaohsiung. 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.