Prague tap water: safe to drink, and how to refill for free

A hot day, a long walk and a shop that sells a small bottle of water for the price of a decent lunch. This is the moment to remember that you are standing in a city with perfectly good water coming out of the tap.

The short answer is yes: tap water in Prague is safe to drink. The longer answer covers where it comes from, what to expect from the taste, and how to refill without paying for a bottle.

Is Prague tap water safe to drink?

Yes. The public water supply in Prague is treated and monitored, and Czech rules set quality limits that suppliers must meet. The water company Pražské vodovody a kanalizace (PVK) runs the city's network and publishes quality information on its website. Locals drink tap water at home and in the office, and visitors can do the same.

Bottled water is a choice, not a necessity. Plenty of people prefer sparkling water with a meal, but you do not need to buy water for safety reasons.

Where does Prague's water come from?

Prague's drinking water comes from a mix of sources and is treated before it enters the network. The details, including which plants supply which districts, are on the PVK site and can change, so we do not list them here. The company's explainer pages are worth a look if you are curious.

Parts of the network are old, which matters for one reason: the last stretch of pipe in an older building belongs to the building, not to PVK.

How does it taste?

Most people find it unremarkable, which is the point. Some notice a faint chlorine note, because water is disinfected before it travels through the network, especially after repairs or in warm weather. Letting a glass stand in the fridge or running the tap for a few seconds helps. Hardness varies by area and affects how much scale builds up in kettles and showers, but that is a practical issue, not a safety one.

If your tap water tastes or smells strange, or the colour is off, run it for a minute. If the problem continues, contact PVK or the building manager. Do not assume it is the city's water: in older buildings, internal pipes can be the cause.

Where can I refill a bottle?

Prague has public drinking fountains in parks and on some streets. Locations and seasons vary, and some are switched off in cold weather. Check the City of Prague and PVK websites for current information. Cafés will often refill a bottle if you ask politely, especially if you are a customer. Museums and galleries sometimes have refill points or fountains.

Carry a reusable bottle, then top it up before long walks. Our guides to Prague's parks, walking in Prague and the Castle visit all involve hours outdoors, and water is the most useful thing in your bag.

Can I ask for tap water in a restaurant?

You can ask. In Czech restaurants and pubs, the answer varies: some serve a jug of tap water for free or for a small charge, some charge for it as a service, and some say no. There is no single rule, and it is not rude to ask. Look at the menu for the price, because a charge for tap water should be shown like any other item. Ask for voda z kohoutku ("tap water") and check the bill. Our guide to how a Czech pub works explains the general system of ordering and paying.

Fancy something with more flavour? Read about Kofola, the local answer to cola, or see how the national drink is poured in a Czech pub.

Is it safe for children, pregnant women and people with health conditions?

Tap water meets the same quality standards for everyone. If you have a specific medical condition, a weakened immune system or are preparing infant formula, ask your doctor or paediatrician what they recommend. Our guide to English-speaking doctors can help you find one.

What if I am moving into an old flat?

Ask the landlord or building manager about the age of the pipes, and let the tap run for a short time after a long absence. If you are concerned, ask the building manager or PVK. Our guides to renting in Prague and to your first week in Prague cover the other practical points of settling in.

What about travelling outside Prague?

Water quality in other Czech towns is regulated too, and tap water is generally drinkable. In mountain huts and remote spots the supply may come from a spring or a private well, so ask before you drink. On trips such as Český ráj or the Krkonoše, carry water and refill in towns.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink water from the tap in Prague?

Yes. The public supply is treated and tested, and Czech rules set quality limits. PVK publishes quality information.

Why does my tap water sometimes taste of chlorine?

Water is disinfected before it enters the network. A faint taste is possible, especially after maintenance. Let the water run or chill it.

Where can I refill my water bottle?

At public fountains in parks and on some streets, and at cafés that agree. Check the City of Prague and PVK sites for current locations.

Will a restaurant give me tap water?

Some will, free or for a small charge, and some will not. Ask for voda z kohoutku and check the price.

Is bottled water safer than tap water?

No. Tap water in Prague meets Czech quality requirements. Bottled water is a matter of taste and convenience.