Can you drink tap water?
Concerned about your health, if you have recently seen news about the issue of water quality in France, the pollution of bottled water ... you are probably wondering if it is safe to drink tap water ?
And we understand! The latest scandals that have erupted concerning contamination, particularly in mineral water, the price of bottled water, unnecessary plastic consumption... so many elements that should push us to consume water directly from the tap . You can and should do it, but under certain conditions...
Can we drink tap water in France?
Tap water in France , intended for our consumption, is subject to rigorous controls to ensure its purity and drinkability . These tests comply with European standards established according to the recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization). These attest to the distribution of high-quality tap water.
If you want to drink tap water every day , here are some simple tips to follow to further improve its quality:
- ✅ Let the water run for a few seconds if you will be away for a long time.
- ✅ Use cold tap water for drinking , cooking, or preparing food. Hot water can cause metals to leach from the pipes and affect the bacteriological quality of the water.
- ✅ Decant tap water into an open carafe in the refrigerator for a few hours to reduce a potential chlorine taste.
In the absence of specific recommendations from health authorities or your doctor, drinking tap water is safe . Would you like more information on the quality of the water coming out of your tap? Regional health agencies (ARS ) publish detailed reports for each region and city, such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille, etc.
When should you not drink tap water?
There are two situations where you should not drink tap water :
- ❌ Tap water shows abnormal signs visible to the naked eye: suspicious color, unusual odor or taste. These symptoms may indicate the presence of substances harmful to health. You want to know more about what is in tap water (link to the main article of the cocoon "What is in tap water?")
- ❌ You are traveling in Europe (Spain, Italy or Portugal) : drinking tap water is possible in large cities. However, it is not recommended to drink it in rural areas where water treatment infrastructure and filtration systems are less efficient . Drinking bottled water is then more advisable to avoid the risk of contamination.
Are there any solutions for drinking healthy tap water?
Would you like to know some simple solutions to purify and drink your tap water ? Here are a few.
Let the water stand before drinking it?
Letting tap water sit in an open carafe for a few hours can help reduce the taste of chlorine . This technique allows for proper aeration of the water and improves its taste for a more enjoyable drink. However, this solution does not remove these contaminants and pollutants.
Boil water before consumption?
Boiling tap water for at least one minute before consumption is an effective method for eliminating bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. However, be careful not to boil the same water twice, as this can actually make things worse.
In any case, this is obviously impractical if you want to consume water at room temperature and in normal quantities. There is therefore one solution to ensure you consume clean water at a lower cost.
Filter your tap water so you can drink it safely!
Filtrating your tap water is a great way to improve its quality and flavor. A tap-mounted water filtration system, like the Pureva water filter and cartridge, effectively reduces the concentration of contaminants and pollutants such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful impurities.
This type of technology eliminates any risk of drinking contaminated and polluted water. Our innovative microfiltration solution (0.1 micron) offers numerous advantages:
- ✅ High-performance filtration on more than 30 pollutants (limestone, chlorine, PFAs, pesticides, etc.).
- ✅ Significant improvement in the taste of water.
- ✅ Preservation of natural minerals.
- ✅ Waste reduction (approximately 2,000 plastic bottles per year for each household).
- ✅ Complies with NSF 42/53 standards.
It's easy to use, the filter is compatible with around 95% of taps in France and can be installed in less than five minutes directly at the end of your tap.
Your frequently asked questions on the subject
Can you drink tap water when pregnant?
Tap water is suitable for pregnant women . In fact, it is the most controlled and regulated food in France. To be considered drinkable, water must meet around sixty parameters, so there are generally no contraindications. However, particles sometimes pass through, and in all cases , unfiltered water will contain pollutants, even if they are weakly present.
From what age can a baby drink it?
After verifying that the water in your community is safe to drink and free of any contaminants, you can use tap water to prepare your baby's bottles. There is therefore no minimum age for a baby to drink tap water . That being said, whether for you or your entire family, filtered water will always be healthier and will prevent exposure to potential diseases.
Can I drink hot tap water?
We do not recommend drinking hot water straight from the tap: It can potentially contain more contaminants from pipes, such as heavy metals. It is better to use cold drinking water and heat it.
