💧 Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in London?
Many Londoners ask themselves this: Can I trust what’s coming out of my kitchen tap? And while the official answer is yes, it’s not surprising that more households are turning to water filters and filtration jugs for extra peace of mind.
Let’s dive into the facts.
🏙️ Where Does London’s Tap Water Come From?
Roughly 80% of London’s tap water is drawn from the River Thames and River Lea, both of which are impacted by treated wastewater further upstream. That means much of the water we consume has, in some way, been recycled — filtered, cleaned, and treated to a drinkable standard.
Before reaching your home, the water goes through extensive filtration and purification. According to Thames Water, over 500,000 tests are conducted annually to ensure your water is safe and meets legal standards.
✅ Is It Safe to Drink?
Technically, yes. Tap water in London meets strict safety and hygiene standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). In many cases, it’s tested more rigorously than bottled water.
However, safety and taste are not the same thing. And that’s where the concerns begin.
🤔 So Why Are People Still Using Water Filters?
While tap water is safe, it doesn’t always taste great. Depending on where you live in London, you might experience:
- A chlorine-like smell or taste
- Hard water deposits from high calcium and magnesium content
- Metallic or musty odours, especially from old pipework
This has led many homeowners to invest in water filtration solutions such as:
🫗 Jug Filters (e.g. Brita, BWT)
Simple and cost-effective, these remove chlorine, reduce limescale, and improve taste. Many people prefer them over bottled water for their eco-friendliness and convenience.
🚰 Tap-Integrated Filters
Systems like under-sink filters or whole-house filtration units offer more comprehensive protection, especially if your home has aged plumbing or you’re concerned about possible contaminants.
Explore Water Filter Installation Services »
🚱 When Should You Be Concerned?
London’s water is generally safe, but there are times you should avoid drinking straight from the tap:
- The water is cloudy, discoloured, or smells off
- You’ve recently had plumbing works or renovations
- Your home has older galvanised pipes, which could introduce rust or metallic flavours
If in doubt, get your water tested or contact a plumber for a pipework inspection.
Need plumbing support? See our Plumbing Repairs in London
💡 Why Choose a Filter System Over Bottled Water?
- Cost-effective: Bottled water is far more expensive in the long run
- Eco-friendly: No plastic waste or carbon-heavy logistics
- Always available: No more running to the shop
- Better taste: Especially in hard water areas like London
Some of our clients also install filters alongside unvented cylinders like Megaflo systems, to ensure clean and efficient water use throughout the property.
🌍 Final Thoughts
London’s tap water is safe — but it’s not perfect. If you’re noticing a strange taste, scaling in your appliances, or just want that extra level of control over your drinking water, a water filtration system is a wise investment.
At RARE Plumbing London, we install water filters, softeners, and whole-house purification systems tailored to your property.
🛠 Learn more about our water softener & filter services here »
📞 Ready to Improve Your Home Water Quality?
Whether you’re considering a simple jug filter or a full filtration system for your home, we’re here to help.
📍 Serving homes and businesses across Central London
📞 Call us on 020 7458 4949
