Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore? Safety Explained

Welcome to Singapore Tour Package, your helpful source for travel insights about Singapore and beyond. While I don’t offer packaged tours, I’ve created this blog to answer practical questions—like whether you can safely drink tap water in Singapore. This guide gives clear, reliable information to help you plan wisely on your Singapore trip package or independent visit. Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore? Safety Explained.

Explore more travel tips at our blog, learn about the journey behind these posts on About, and if you have suggestions or questions, I’d love to hear from you via Contact.


Why This Question Matters

Tourists from Europe, Australia, or North America might hesitate when hearing about drinking tap water abroad. Is it safe? Will it upset your stomach? Let’s break it down so you can sip freely or make informed choices.


Singapore’s Tap Water: High Standards from Source to Glass

  1. Multiple Water Sources, including local catchments, imports, desalination, and NEWater (advanced recycled water).
  2. Advanced Treatment Facilities ensure water is treated to WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION standards.
  3. Strict Distribution Monitoring: Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB) regularly tests water at all points—over 12,000 sites nationwide.
  4. Straight from the Tap: The water you get at home or in Singapore hotels is the same quality as what you buy in bottles.

Bottom line: YES, tap water in Singapore is clean, safe, and fully drinkable by locals and travellers alike. Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore? Safety Explained.


Why Tourists May Still Avoid Tap Water

  1. Familiarity Bias: Visitors are accustomed to bottled water while travelling.
  2. Hotel Practices: Some accommodations offer only bottled water in rooms. Let them know you’re happy with tap water.
  3. Filtered Preference: Some travelers prefer filtered water for better taste, but not for safety reasons.
  4. Travel Habit: Buying bottled water is a common travel behavior—easy and accessible.

The good news: there’s no health risk in drinking tap water in Singapore.


What About Plumbing in Older Buildings?

Concern sometimes arises around old pipes. But PUB treats water at the plant, and the majority of buildings—public or private—use modern plumbing. Any taste or odor is rare and usually due to storage, not safety.

If worried, you can:

  • Run the tap for a few seconds to freshen water, especially in seldom-used fountains.
  • Use a portable water filter or purifier bottle for peace of mind—but it’s not essential.

Tips for Buying Water if Preferred

If bottled water remains your choice, here’s what travellers typically pay:

  • 1.5-liter bottle: 1–1.50 SGD (£0.50–£1)
  • Refillable filter bottle: Available at convenience stores or online.
  • Water cooler stations: Found in gyms, public facilities, and offices.

Just know that tap water presents no health issues.


Beyond Tap Water: Other Shared Sources

  • Public Drinking Fountains: Located in parks, malls, museums. Safe, filtered, and maintained by PUB.
  • Attractions and Singapore trip package venues: Designed for visitors, they also provide safe water for drinking.

Savvy Travel Tips

  1. Carry a reusable bottle—tap refilling is common and easy.
  2. On budget? Drink free. If you’re watching expenses, tap water is zero-cost.
  3. Feel better using filtered water? That’s fine, but fusion filters are enough—no need for boiling.
  4. Dining out? Feel confident asking for tap water—it’s normal and accepted.
  5. Staying in Singapore holiday packages? Confirm with your host—they won’t hesitate to fill a reusable bottle for you. Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore? Safety Explained.

How This Matters to Your Travel Package Planning

If you’re exploring a singapore tour package or combining it with singapore and malaysia tour package, knowing tap water is safe can influence your budgeting. Save money, support sustainability, and keep your itinerary light—it’s one small win on your journey.


Sustainability Bonus: Reducing Waste

Worldwide, bottled water creates massive plastic waste. By choosing tap, you:

  • Reduce plastic use significantly.
  • Lighten your travel load—fewer bottles on planes.
  • Support Singapore’s commitment to zero-waste and environmental care.

When Tap Water May Not Be Ideal

There are few exceptions:

  • Rooms left vacant for weeks can have stagnant water. Flush the faucet in the morning before drinking.
  • Boiling isn’t needed, but sterilizing is an option for those extremely cautious.
  • Certain products (like rare imported drinks) might rely on bottled water—but not for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can safely drink tap water in Singapore in 2025. It’s among the cleanest and best-regulated in the world. Unless you have a personal preference for filtered or mineral water, tap is fine—and it’s eco-friendly and cost-saving too. Can You Drink Tap Water in Singapore? Safety Explained.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top