10 countries where it is safe to drink tap water while travelling

An easy way to save on costs and reduce plastic waste while travelling is by refilling a reusable water bottle rather than buying bottled water all the time. According to travel risk management company Global Rescue, several countries stand out for providing some of the safest drinking water in the world. They've put a lot of effort into treating their water, setting up monitors, and protecting the environment. So not only do locals stay healthy, but visitors can feel safe too.

Iceland's tap water is thought to be among the very purest on the planet. A good chunk of their drinking water comes straight from natural springs, which are fed by glaciers and run through volcanic rocks, filtering it naturally. So the water only needs minimal treatment before heading to homes. Visitors usually hear that it's fine to drink right from the tap, and many locals believe bottled water is unnecessary—plus, carrying bottles around seems pointless to them.

Norway has plenty of freshwater, like lakes, rivers, and mountain reservoirs. They keep these spots clean with strict rules. The water companies do a great job too, always treating and testing the water. Because of this, tap water is safe all year round. Visitors can fill up bottles freely nearly anywhere in the country, no worries!

Switzerland's drinking water is famously clean. The country keeps a close watch on water quality and follows strict rules for treating and distributing it. Another neat thing? Public fountains in cities and towns offer potable water. Travellers can refill water bottles while exploring. Most fountains are safe for drinking, though some might be marked differently.

Japan keeps its public water safe. They have really advanced treatment plants and do frequent tests. The water system is big and covers the whole nation. No matter if you're in Tokyo, Kyoto, or some tiny town, the tap water is fine to drink. Proof of this? It's freely offered to people at hotels, restaurants, and other public spots.

Australia's big cities regularly offer top-notch tap water that follows tough national rules. Authorities there do frequent tests to keep things safe. Now, while some remote areas might have issues, tourists in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth don't need to worry—they can drink the water right from the tap.

In Germany, the tap water is super safe too. They've got some of the world's strictest drinking water rules. Water quality is checked way more often than bottled water! So visitors can easily drink from taps across the country, which is great for those who prefer going green.

Finland's lakes, forests, and protected natural environments contribute to exceptionally clean water resources. The country consistently ranks highly in environmental quality assessments. Finnish tap water undergoes careful monitoring and treatment, ensuring that travellers can drink it safely throughout the country.

Canada holds almost one-fifth of the world's freshwater. Most cities have tight safety rules and do regular tests on their water. In places like Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary, you can drink tap water without worrying because it's safe and dependable.

With few natural fresh water supplies, Singapore is still a global leader in water management. Using advanced purification techniques and innovative recycling systems, they produce some of the world's safest tap water. The authorities perform regular tests too, which lets people know it’s safe to drink straight from the tap. Residents and visitors alike can feel confident about that.

New Zealand's small population and plentiful natural water sources keep water quality high. Urban areas supply safe drinking water, strictly monitored and treated too. With the nation's strong environmental protection efforts, New Zealand is one of the best places for travellers to skip bottled water.