Is St Petersburg Tap Water Safe To Drink?

No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.

Tap water in St. Petersburg, Russia, is generally treated and meets national safety standards. However, many locals prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste and pipe conditions.

Water Sources
Drinking Fountains

Water quality can vary because of old infrastructure, causing potential contamination from pipe corrosion or biofilm. It's advised to use filters or boil water before drinking.

For visitors, drinking tap water is not recommended without treatment. Boiling or using certified filters ensures safety and reduces health risks related to local water supply.

Last checked: 2025-04-25

Russia is ranked as number 48 globally with a score of 73.8% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.

Source of Water in St Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg's tap water primarily comes from the Neva and Svir Rivers. Surface water undergoes treatment before distribution to residents.

Additional water sources include groundwater from wells, supplementing surface water supplies, especially during peak demand or maintenance.

Water treatment plants use coagulation, filtration, and disinfection to ensure water meets safety standards before reaching consumers' taps.

St Petersburg Drinking Fountains

Public drinking fountains in St. Petersburg may not consistently meet safety standards due to maintenance and water source variability. Caution is advised.

Bacterial contamination and aging infrastructure can affect water quality from fountains. Using bottled or filtered water is generally safer for drinking.

If using public fountains, avoid direct contact with nozzles and consider additional water treatment like boiling or filtering to reduce health risks.

Drinking Water Map

Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in St Petersburg. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.

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.

Disclaimer

* The information provided on this website regarding the safety of tap water in St Petersburg is sourced from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), local water authorities, and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) from Yale University. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, it's important to note that water quality can vary over time and may be subject to factors beyond our control. Users are encouraged to verify the current water quality status with local authorities or consult additional resources before making decisions regarding water consumption. We disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided on this website.