Walk into any Cypriot supermarket and the scene is always the same: you’re met with walls of bottled water. You'll see locals grabbing huge packs for their carts. This common scene makes you question the local water situation. The same question inevitably pops into your mind: "If everyone is buying bottled water, is drinking tap water a bad idea?". Let's get past the official line and find out the real story about the tap water and the general water quality here.
Why It's Only Half the Story
If you ask this question to an official, they will answer with confidence: "Of course, you can! Our water meets all the strictest standards of the European Union." Our drinking water, including the safe tap water from our mains water supply, meets all the strictest EU standards." And that's true. The island's water supply is well-managed. The water quality is monitored thoroughly after the water treatment process. Most of our fresh drinking water comes from two main sources: desalination plants turning salty sea water into high-quality drinking water, and mountain reservoirs. Once it leaves a water treatment facility, it is indeed safe drinking water.
So where's the catch with the drinking water? The devil is in the details of the local water supply. More precisely — in the pipes and water tanks on the buildings.
The "Last Mile" Problem: Why Tap Water Quality Can Decline
Unlike systems that might rely on well water, the Cypriot water supply depends on a unique storage system. Look at the roofs, and you will see the iconic water tanks.
The journey to your tap isn't direct. Water from the street first gathers in a tank on the ground floor, and then a pump pushes it up to the one on the roof.
Now imagine: the generous Cypriot sun heats this tank. As a result, the tap water's taste can change. The final water quality you experience might be different, a key part of the water situation on the island. While this local water, while technically safe tap water, results in drinking water that isn't always pleasant or refreshing.
Local Habits: Bottled Water vs. Water Filtration
Cypriots have a pragmatic approach to their daily drinking water supply. They use the local water for everything not related to drinking tap water directly. Many homes also use water softeners to deal with the hardness. But for a simple glass of drinking water, the choice is clear: they overwhelmingly prefer bottled water. You will see large water dispensers in many homes and offices, which use large bottles of purified drinking water.
Alternatively, many install water filtration systems. Getting filtered water at home is increasingly popular, offering a great alternative to constantly buying bottled water and an improvement on the standard tap water.
A Tourist's Guide to Cyprus Water: Our Advice
Our recommendations for tourists are simple and focus on water safety. For all your drinking water needs, stick to bottled water. Buying water bottles is cheap and guarantees you won't have issues. This is the easiest way to ensure you have safe drinking water. Boiling the tap water from the cold tap makes it a safe tap water option for tea and coffee. For all other needs, the local water is fine. That way, you can just relax and forget about the water situation entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drinking Water in Cyprus
Q: Is the tap water safe for brushing my teeth?
A: Yep, go for it. Using tap water for things like that is totally fine. The overall water safety is high for non-drinking purposes.
Q: Can I get sick from drinking tap water?
A: Getting sick is super unlikely, as the water is technically safe. But why risk even a small chance of spoiling your holiday? For a clean taste and total peace of mind, we say stick with bottled water.
Q: Are water dispensers a good option for a long stay?
A: Definitely. For a longer trip, they're a game-changer. It's the best way to get good drinking water on tap, plus you'll save cash and avoid mountains of plastic water bottles.
So when it comes to the tap water, it’s really a matter of paperwork versus reality. The official reports say it's fine, but the taste often tells a different story. But in reality? Considering everything, most people just feel it makes more sense to stick with bottled water or filtered water. Copying the locals on this is the smartest way to enjoy your time on this beautiful island. About where to send empty bottles in our previous blog.
