Can You Drink Tap Water in Albania?
The easy answer: Yes! It’s mostly safe thanks to treatment and chlorination.
The long answer: It’s a bit of a mix bag depending on where you are, the season, and how the pipes are doing. Some spots have top-notch tap water, others, well, not so much (think water pressure issues and the like).
Before you gulp it down, maybe do a quick check. Chat with the locals or give the water a once-over for any funky colors or smells. Not feeling it? Bottled water’s everywhere and won’t break the bank.
Where Can You Find Water in Albania?
You can find tap water in most places in Albania, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, public fountains, and private homes. However, some rural areas or remote villages may not have access to tap water. In these cases, you may need to rely on bottled water, spring water, or well water.
How Safe is Tap Water in Albania?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Albania has made significant progress in improving its water supply and sanitation in the past decades.
How Much Does Tap Water Cost in Albania?
Tap water in Albania is relatively cheap, compared to other European countries. The average water tariff in Albania is 0.38 EUR per cubic meter, which is lower than the regional average of 0.84 EUR per cubic meter. However, the water tariff may vary depending on the location, consumption, and service provider. Some areas may have higher or lower water tariffs, depending on the water quality, availability, and infrastructure.
What Are the Benefits?
Drinking tap water in Albania has some benefits, such as:
- Saves you some cash: It’s easier on the wallet compared to bottled water, and hey, less plastic bottle hassle.
- Saves time: No need to hunt down a store for bottled water. Plus, who likes lugging heavy bottles around?
- Supports the local scene: Your water bill helps keep the water flowing for everyone. It’s all about sustainable growth.
Should you go for Bottled Water in Albania?
Yes, give it a shot! Bottled water here is up to snuff, meeting local and EU standards. Variety’s the spice of life – you’ll find mineral, sparkling, even flavored options. But like tap water, brands differ in taste and quality.
According to a survey in Albania in 2023, Qafshtama was the most bought water brand.
The second after Qafshtama was Lajthiza.
And if you are up for flavored water, look for Tepelena Vitamin water. Personally I like the orange bottle which is “Peach” flavour and not “Orange”…
Where Can You Find it?
You can find bottled water in most places in Albania, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, kiosks, you name it. However, some rural areas or remote villages may not have access to all types of bottled water and may have limited choices or stocks. But usually in those remote areas, the water is drinkable.
