Travelling to a new country often raises questions about the safety of its tap water.

The question arises for visitors to Singapore; can you drink tap water in Singapore?

The short answer is a resounding yes!

The city-state’s tap water is not only safe to drink but is also of exceptional quality.

It's one of the few places globally where you can freely fill up your bottle directly from the tap.

Now, let’s explore why this is the case and how you can make the most of it during your visit.

Without further ado, let’s read the overview below!

Singapore's water security is built on its "Four National Taps" strategy.

This diversified approach incorporates local catchment water, imported water, desalinated water, and reclaimed water (NEWater) to ensure a robust and sustainable supply.

As Singapore’s national water agency, The Public Utilities Board (PUB) oversees the entire process from collection to distribution.

Water undergoes rigorous treatment processes such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

These steps eliminate contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.

Singapore’s tap water meets and surpasses the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

PUB conducts over 500.000 tests annually on physical, organic, inorganic, radiological, and microbiological parameters to ensure safety.

The Environmental Public Health (Water Suitable for Drinking) Regulations 2019 further reinforce these high standards.

So, can you drink tap water in Singapore’s hotels? The answer is yes!

Like local residences, hotels are connected to the same high-quality municipal water supply managed by PUB.

To maintain quality, PUB collects daily samples from reservoirs, desalination plants, and distribution networks.

Online sensors also monitor water quality in real time at every stage of the treatment process.

Hotels like Siloso Beach Resort, Park Avenue Rochester, and Grand Copthorne Waterfront even refer to this practice as a form of environmental conservation.

Through their websites, these hotels highlight their efforts to encourage guests to drink tap water as part of their sustainability goals.

Beyond hotels, you can drink tap water at Singapore’s top attractions, like Singapore Expo, Universal Studios Singapore, and Suntec City.

It is also readily available in popular areas like Marina Bay, Changi, and Orchard.

In Singapore, drinking tap water is completely normal and part of everyday life.

Many locals carry their reusable water bottles, filled directly from the tap.

This is not just environmentally conscious but also convenient, as it allows you to stay hydrated without having to buy bottled water constantly.

In restaurants and cafes, it is common for the staff to offer water once you sit down.

Many eateries provide tap water for free, so you don’t need to purchase bottled water.

However, be mindful of local customs—while tap water is available, some upscale restaurants might charge for bottled water.

Singapore’s focus on sustainability is evident in the many refill stations available and the increasing culture of water conservation.

In many cases, you'll be encouraged to refill your water bottle rather than buy bottled water.

To ensure you enjoy the best quality tap water during your stay in Singapore, consider the following tips:

If you notice any discolouration or stale taste when turning on the tap, let it run for a few seconds.

This helps flush out any stagnant water that may have been sitting in the pipes.

While Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink straight from the tap, some individuals prefer to use faucet-mounted filters.

These can help improve taste by reducing chlorine odours or minor impurities, providing a smoother drinking experience.

Affordable and easy-to-install options are widely available.

Occasionally, maintenance work in your building or surrounding area may temporarily affect water quality.

If you notice changes in taste, colour, or pressure, check with your building management.

You can also contact the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for updates on water maintenance schedules or advisories.

Although Singapore’s tap water meets the highest safety standards, some residents choose to boil it as an additional precaution.

This is common among those sensitive to taste changes or worried about old plumbing systems.

Purchasing bottled water in Singapore can be costly, with prices ranging from SG$3–5 per litre.

Opting for tap water not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste.

This helps support environmental conservation efforts and sustainability initiatives in the country.

In rare cases where a tap is unsuitable for drinking—such as in toilets or maintenance areas, clear signage will indicate this.

Otherwise, you can confidently drink from any public tap in Singapore, as the country’s water supply is strictly regulated for safety.

While Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, some travellers may not be accustomed to drinking water directly from the tap.

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives available:

Bottled water is widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants.

Popular brands like “Aquafina” and “Nestlé Pure Life” are sold at reasonable prices.

However, buying bottled water frequently may add up in cost and contribute to plastic waste.

If you prefer filtered water, bringing personal water bottle with a built-in filter can be a great option.

This way, you can refill it at any tap and still have peace of mind.

To reduce plastic usage, Singapore has installed public water refill stations across the city.

These refill stations offer free filtered drinking water, so you can easily top up your bottle.

Now that you’re assured Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink, there’s no better time to start planning your adventure.

Don’t delay, head over to Traveloka to easily book your flights and hotel!

You can opt for accommodation near top attractions like VivoCity, Marina Square, or the Singapore National Stadium for convenience.

For a more local experience, consider exploring areas like Novena, Little India or HarbourFront, where you’ll find exceptional hotels offering a unique charm.

And remember, Singapore is equipped with refill stations throughout the city, so you can stay hydrated as you explore every corner of this vibrant metropolis.

Book your trip now, stay refreshed, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Singapore with Traveloka!