Is Melbourne Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Melbourne's tap water is sourced mainly from protected catchments in the Yarra and Thomson Rivers. It undergoes rigorous treatment including filtration and chlorination.
The water quality meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, monitored continuously for pathogens, chemicals, and contaminants. Independent audits confirm compliance.
Residents and visitors can safely drink Melbourne tap water without boiling. It is regularly tested to ensure it remains clean, safe, and palatable.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Australia is ranked as number 23 globally with a score of 90.9% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne's tap water primarily comes from protected catchments in the Upper Yarra, Thomson, and Tarago reservoirs. These areas are forested and well-managed.
Supplementary supplies include the Cardinia Reservoir and groundwater sources. Water is stored in multiple reservoirs before treatment to ensure supply reliability.
Water catchments are protected to minimize contamination, and no direct human activity is allowed, preserving water quality naturally before treatment.
Melbourne Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Melbourne are maintained regularly to ensure water safety and hygiene. They use treated tap water meeting health standards.
Routine cleaning and water quality testing are conducted to minimize contamination risks from external factors. Users should observe cleanliness before drinking.
While generally safe, people with weakened immune systems are advised to exercise caution or use personal water bottles for added safety.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Melbourne. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.