Croatia: Drink Tapwater ?

Q: Ist das Leitungswasser in Kroatien trinkbar?

Yes, Tapwater in Croatia is generally drinkable . However, caution is advised with local water resources in particular, as these are not subject to the strict requirements of Croatian water policy.

Q: Kann man das Leitungswasser auf Krk trinken?

Yes , you can drink the Tapwater on Krk. In fact, the island is particularly proud of its exceptionally pure and good water. However, there is always a certain risk.

Q: Kann man das Leitungswasser in Istrien trinken?

The Tapwater in Istria can be drunk . It is characterized in particular by a high lime content, which means that various appliances often need to be descaled.

Q: Kann man das Leitungswasser in Split trinken?

Yes , you can also drink the water in Split with the usual risks.

Croatia is a very popular vacation destination. The many islands and the mainland impress with their beautiful beaches and breathtaking nature. However, especially in summer, it can get quite hot there when temperatures climb to over 30 °C.

At these times, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to protect the body from dehydration. The best thirst quencher is and remains fresh Tapwater. But can you drink Tapwater in Croatia? We will clarify!

In this Guidebook you will learn...

... how high the water quality is in Croatia,
... whether you can drink Tapwater in Croatia,
... how the drinking water supply works on the mainland and the islands
...and how you can ensure guaranteed clean drinking water in Croatia.

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Updated on: 19.07.2022

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Water quality in Croatia: top-class drinking water

Drinking water in Croatia is among the best in the world. The country has a very well-organized water policy, which is why Tapwater is subject to strict guidelines and is regularly checked. For this reason, Tapwater can be drunk almost without hesitation in all parts of Croatia.

However, Tapwater in Croatia varies greatly in taste depending on the region. For example, the drinking water in Zagreb has a specific taste, as the water is relatively hard.

The quality of bathing water in Croatia is also excellent. Around 95% of bathing waters were classified as "excellent" in a report on bathing water quality by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in 2020 ^[1]. In addition, a total of 97 marinas and beaches in Croatia were awarded the Blue Flag in 2021 - an eco-label that recognizes the highest bathing water quality and compliance with various environmental standards ^[2].

Can you drink tap water in Croatia?

Yes, the water from the public water supply system throughout Croatia is generally safe to drink. It is subject to strict standards and is constantly monitored.

But beware: as with water quality in Germany, there are some problems and inconsistencies in Croatia. You can read more about this in the Guidebook "Why filter water?".

Caution is also advised with local water resources that are not part of the strictly controlled public water supply system. Although this water is also regularly checked and is generally drinkable, it does not meet the same high standards ^[3].

Quality of public water supply

Quality of local water resources

Best drinking water quality. No impairment of taste, color or contaminants. Very good microbiological quality.

Good drinking water quality. No harmful substances or microbiological impurities. Odor, taste and color may be impaired. Tapwater is usually safe to drink.

Satisfactory drinking water quality. No harmful substances in the water. Odor, taste and color may be impaired. There is a risk of microbiological contamination from water that has been standing for a long time. Pollutants can enter the drinking water through old pipes. Tapwater only drinkable to a limited extent.

Poor drinking water quality. Smell, taste and color are usually impaired. Water often microbiologically contaminated. Elevated levels of pollutants in some cases. No recommendation to drink tap water

Very poor drinking water quality. Smell, taste and color are impaired. Water very often microbiologically contaminated. Pollutant levels sometimes dangerously high. Tapwater not drinkable!

The assessment of tap water quality is a general statement. Exceptions are possible at any time. All information without guarantee.

Tapwater Croatia: Where does the drinking water come from?

Croatia can draw on a large number of water resources. Within the EU, the country even ranks first with an average of 27,330 m3 of fresh water per inhabitant ^[4]!

Most of the Tapwater in Croatia comes from surface water and to a lesser extent from groundwater. In Zadar, for example, drinking water is primarily obtained from the Zrmanja River. In Split, Tapwater comes from the rivers Jadro and Cetina.

But before we can drink the water, it must first be treated and filtered. This is done using various chemical and physical processes, most of which involve the use of chlorine.

Croatia is also home to numerous water sources that are the origin of well-known Croatian water brands. The 500-metre deep Janino Vrelo spring, for example, is located in the Prigorje region and is the origin of the Jamnica water brand. Due to the high purity of the water, it was even included in the Austrian court's mineral water register under Empress Maria Theresa.

An equally well-known spring is the 800-metre-deep Sveta Jana in Gorica Svetojanska. Due to the particularly mineral-rich soil layers, the Jana brand water extracted from there is also particularly rich in minerals.

How does the drinking water supply work on the Croatian islands?

Depending on the island, different methods of drinking water supply have been established. In principle, there are two options:

On the one hand, the water supply can be ensured through connections to the water supply system on the mainland. This mainly concerns islands that are close to the mainland - for example the island of Brač.
On the other hand, some islands - such as the island of Krk - have their own water supply system in the form of wells, cisterns, etc.

Some islands also combine both of these variants and obtain drinking water from the mainland in addition to their own sources. One example of this is the island of Korčula. Drinking water can also be transported from the mainland to the individual islands at any time using special boats.

Drinking water Croatia: water filters for guaranteed clean water

Although the Tapwater in Croatia is considered to be very good, heavy metals, germs and bacteria etc. can occasionally get into the water due to various circumstances - just like drinking water in Germany. With a water filter, you can ensure that you only drink clean water during your stay in Croatia.

The drinking water filters from Alb Filter are ideal for this, as they are portable and ensure clean water in no time at all. They fit 85% of all taps and can be fitted with an adapter if required. Mounted on the tap or Under-sink , they remove dangerous legionella, microplastics, pesticides and much more from the water.

Are you traveling with a motorhome? Then we have a solution for you too! Our camping filters are available either as a mobile version for refueling from the outside or permanently installed after the water tank or under the sink. So you can enjoy clean and healthy water at all times!

Bottled mineral water?

Buying bottled water is absolutely not necessary in Croatia! It only costs an unnecessary amount of money and has a huge impact on the environment. On the one hand, drinking water in Croatia is generally safe to drink. On the other hand, water filters are the more long-term and sustainable solution for clean water.

Croatia: Drink the best Tapwater

Is your vacation in Croatia just around the corner? Then let's get going! You don't have to worry too much about the local drinking water, as it is safe to drink, at least for the duration of your vacation. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend using a high-quality water filter. This way you can drink Tapwater in Croatia without any worries and enjoy your vacation.

FAQs about Tapwater in Croatia

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about drinking water in Croatia.

Is Tapwater drinkable in Croatia?

Yes, Tapwater in Croatia is generally drinkable. However, caution is advised with local water resources in particular, as these are not subject to the strict requirements of Croatian water policy.

Where does the drinking water in Croatia come from?

Tapwater in Croatia comes partly from surface water and partly from groundwater. The main suppliers are numerous rivers and springs throughout the country.

Can you drink Tapwater on Krk?

Yes, you can drink the Tapwater on Krk. In fact, the island is particularly proud of its exceptionally pure and good water. However, there is always a certain risk.

Can you drink Tapwater in Istria?

The Tapwater in Istria can be drunk. It is characterized in particular by a high lime content, which means that various appliances often need to be descaled.