When planning a trip to Cyprus, you’re probably dreaming of beaches, beautiful landscapes, and endless Mediterranean sunshine.
Yet, the safety of tap water is often not given much thought.
While EU regulations ensure high standards for water quality, can you drink tap water in Cyprus? Here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Tap Water Safety
Like all EU countries, Cyprus adheres to strict European Union standards for water quality.
According to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism:
“The safety of drinking water quality in Cyprus is monitored by the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health and the Local Authorities.”
They also emphasize the exceptional quality of the drinking water, noting that it’s completely safe and free from any risk of waterborne diseases.
However, let’s make a small distinction here.
Municipal Water vs. Tank Water
Municipal Water – Water that comes directly from the mains is usually safe to drink in Cyprus. This is the water in most kitchen taps.
That said, you might not find the taste very enjoyable. We tend to use it for cooking up meals and washing the dishes.
Tank Water – Many buildings in Cyprus have reserve water tanks on their roofs. This is the water that runs through the rest of the taps in the house and is used for showering.
Water from these tanks isn’t recommended for drinking as they can get contaminated quickly. You can still use it for brushing your teeth, though.
In some households, there’s a separate tap specifically for drinking water, or you may have a kitchen tap with a knob that controls the switch between mains water and tank water.
Where Does Cyprus Get Its Fresh Water?
Cyprus primarily relies on groundwater sources, such as aquifers and underground reservoirs, for its fresh water supply.
In addition, it utilizes surface water from rivers and dams, as well as desalination plants to meet its water needs.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Paphos?
Water quality can vary depending on where you are in Cyprus.
In larger cities and tourist areas (like Paphos), the water is regularly tested and treated to maintain its safety for consumption.
In fact, much of the water in the city comes from underground springs and many people drink it straight from the tap without any issues.
It’s also worth noting that the water in Cyprus has a high mineral content, which could potentially cause an upset stomach for some individuals.
What Should You Do?
Personally, we (and everyone we know) prefer drinking bottled water.
Bottled water is quite affordable in Cyprus, typically under 2 euros for a pack of six 1.5-liter bottles. Additionally, larger 10-15-liter jugs are commonly found in most supermarkets.
Unfortunately, the downside is the environmental impact it creates.
Another popular option among locals is setting up a water filtration system at home. Not only does this offer peace of mind, but it also improves the taste of tap water.
If you plan on staying in one place, this investment could be a smart move.
You seem to be telling a different story from the last time l checked on water stocks in Cyprus. It is remarkable that Cyprus is so thirsty but the price to the environment is high in plastic waste for drinking water. Why is buying drinking water necessary, if Paphos can supply safe drinking water shouldn’t that be your goal?
It really just depends on what you like.
For example, some people prefer the taste of bottled water over tap water, even if the tap water is safe to drink.
To drink or not to drink tap water in Cyprus – it’s a personal choice. The water meets safety standards. However, it contains a high level of hardness salts and residual chlorine and its compounds after treatment.
It’s definitely a personal choice!
We have a water filter and I boil the water prior to filtration, it tastes just fine. I can’t really taste the difference between this method and bottled water, it could just be me though.
Good to know!