Is Shanghai Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Shanghai's tap water is treated and disinfected, but its quality varies depending on the source, treatment, and distribution.
The water may not meet international standards for taste, odor, and appearance, but it generally meets Chinese national standards.
To be safe, it's recommended to boil tap water before drinking, especially for vulnerable groups, like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
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 Shanghai, China
Shanghai's tap water mainly comes from the Yangtze River, Huangpu River, and surrounding lakes, such as Lake Tai and Lake Chang.
Additionally, Shanghai uses underground water sources, including natural groundwater and artificial recharge of treated wastewater.
The city's water supply system also includes desalination plants, which provide a small but increasing proportion of the total water supply.
Shanghai Drinking Fountains
Some drinking fountains in Shanghai are safe, providing filtered and disinfected water that meets national drinking water standards.
These fountains are usually found in public areas, such as parks, museums, and libraries, and are regularly maintained and tested.
However, it's still recommended to take precautions, such as checking the fountain's maintenance record and looking for signs of certification.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Shanghai. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.