Can You Drink Tap Water in Turkey? A Guide to Water Safety

If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, you may be wondering if the tap water there is safe to drink As a frequent traveler to Turkey myself, this used to be a major concern of mine as well I always debated if I should drink bottled water only or if the tap water was fine.

After much research and experience, I’ve learned that while the tap water in most parts of Turkey is generally safe, locals tend to prefer bottled water. There are a few reasons for this preference that I’ll explain in this article. My goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand water quality, safety, options, and costs in Turkey.

Overview of Tap Water Safety in Turkey

Let’s start with the basics – is the tap water safe to consume in Turkey?

The short answer is yes the municipal tap water in most cities and regions of Turkey is safe to drink due to purification methods. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

Tap water is treated at facilities run by local municipalities before being distributed The water is disinfected to remove bacteria and viruses, Trace amounts of chlorine are added to eliminate any contamination from old pipes in buildings

So while tap water is considered safe, many locals choose to drink bottled water instead. This seems to be more of a taste preference than a safety concern.

The high mineral content in some regions leads to “hard water” which can have a chalky, funny taste. The chlorine used in purification also affects the taste. These factors lead many Turks to prefer bottled spring water for drinking and making tea or coffee.

Regional Differences in Water Quality

The taste and mineral content of tap water can vary significantly across different regions of Turkey:

• In major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, the tap water tends to be harder with higher chlorine content. Locals who can afford it drink bottled water.

• In some coastal regions like Bodrum, the tap water has a high saline content which affects taste. Bottled water is preferred.

• In rural villages, people are more likely to drink tap water as the source tends to be fresh springs or wells. The water tastes better than large municipal supplies.

So the safety of the tap water depends to some extent on where you are in Turkey. If you’re staying in an older building, it’s a good idea to boil tap water before drinking it. Newer hotels and restaurants likely have modern filtration systems to improve water quality.

Options for Drinking Water in Turkey

Bottled water is cheap and readily available across Turkey. Here are some tips on finding and buying safe bottled water during your stay:

• 0.5 liter bottles cost 1-2 TL ($0.10-$0.15) at grocery stores. Glass bottles are better for the environment but cost a bit more.

• Street vendors and small shops sometimes overcharge – always ask the price first.

• In coastal resort towns, even cheap restaurants may charge excessive amounts for bottled water.

• Hotels provide complimentary bottles in rooms, but some may charge if you drink them. Ask your hotel about policies.

• For longer stays, order 19 liter jugs for home delivery. A deposit is paid for the reusable bottle.

• Imported brands of bottled water are available but expensive. Turkish brands like Hayat and Erikli are reliable.

• sparkling water, flavored water, and soda are widely available in addition to regular bottled water.

Tips for Drinking Water in Restaurants & Cafes

In the past, restaurants would serve tap water for free. But now bottled water is the norm, even if already on the table when you sit down. Here are some tips:

• Water usually costs 2-5 TL in mid-range restaurants. In upscale places it may be 10-20 TL.

• Always check the menu or ask if unsure – some places sneak it onto your bill even if you don’t drink it.

• In tourist areas, shady bars may charge ridiculous amounts like 50 TL for water. Check prices first.

• When in doubt, ask for a bottle with a sealed cap rather than relying on tap water.

Safety Precautions When Drinking Tap Water

While I believe the tap water is generally safe in Turkey, taking some basic precautions is recommended:

• If you have a sensitive stomach or weakened immune system, stick to bottled water only.

• In older buildings, boil tap water for 1-2 minutes before drinking it. This eliminates any potential bacteria or viruses.

• Use bottled or boiled water when brushing teeth as well. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through swallowing.

• Be vigilant about washing hands before eating, especially when touring sights and traveling on buses.