Drinking Fountains in Switzerland: Water Quality & Safety

Drinking fountains in Switzerland are generally safe and provide clean tap water – unless clearly marked as “No Drinking Water”.

Switzerland is known as the Water Tower of Europe. Streams, rivers, glaciers and over 1,500 lakes supply the country with high-quality drinking water.

Did you know? In 1905, Luther Haws developed the first public drinking fountain. Today, they offer a free and sustainable way to stay hydrated on the go.

Where can you find drinking fountains in Switzerland?

Many public drinking fountains are available in cities and municipalities. They provide fresh water at natural temperature and are often accessible for pets as well.

During winter, some fountains are turned off to prevent frost damage.

Is fountain water safe to drink in Switzerland?

Yes – fountain water in Switzerland is usually safe to drink. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

Important: Water must flow continuously. If not, the fountain must be clearly labeled “No Drinking Water”.

✪ Good to know: Regular testing confirms the high water quality of public drinking fountains.

Water quality in Switzerland

Water quality in Switzerland is among the highest worldwide. Water analyses confirm that strict legal limits are consistently met.

According to the Swiss Food Handbook, all measured values must remain below defined limit values.

What can affect drinking water quality?

Despite high standards, local variations can occur. Common factors include:

• old pipes or fittings
• stagnant water due to low usage
• natural substances such as arsenic in certain regions

Regions such as Graubünden, Valais or Ticino may contain naturally occurring minerals in water.

✪ Good to know: The limit value for selenium in Switzerland is 50 µg/l, while the WHO recommends a guideline value of 10 µg/l.

When should you test your water?

A water test can be useful if you are unsure about water quality – for example at rarely used fountains or if taste or odor seems unusual.

👉 With a home water test kit, you can quickly and reliably check water quality.