Is tap water in Finland safe to drink? A traveller's guide

This is intended to serve as a general guide. Always check with official sources for the latest government and health advice.

Opting for tap water is often the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while traveling. But when you're in a new country, knowing if the tap water is safe is crucial to avoid any unexpected health risks. If you're headed to Finland, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why Finland’s tap water is safe, and detail its quality to help you prepare for your trip. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a useful travel companion to help you save on spending during your time there.

Is tap water safe to drink in Finland?

Yes, tap water in Finland is generally safe to drink directly from the tap throughout the country according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.¹ Its quality meets stringent national and EU quality standards, as defined by the latest EU Drinking Water Directive, which was transposed into national law in 2023.² This ensures the water is of a consistently high quality and is safe for direct consumption.

While some residents may still choose bottled water or filters, this is typically for personal taste or preference rather than a concern about safety, as the water is subject to strict quality controls. As a practical tip, always check if your specific tap is safe for drinking.

Understanding Finland's water quality

The primary official government authorities responsible for tap water quality and regulation include the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the Ministry of the Environment.² These bodies oversee the implementation of laws such as the Health Protection Act and the Water Services Act, which require that water from public supply plants is of very good quality and safe to use. Local entities, such as municipal water utilities like the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) and municipal health protection authorities, are responsible for daily operations and independent monitoring.³

Sources of Finland's tap water

Finland’s tap water supply predominantly comes from groundwater, which accounts for approximately 60% of the total supply.⁴ The remainder is sourced from surface water from lakes and rivers. The proportion of water from these sources varies by region. For instance, the Helsinki metropolitan area sources its water from Lake Päijänne via a 120-kilometer rock tunnel.⁵ This abundance of high-quality raw water is a key reason for the water's exceptional quality.

Water treatment processes are tailored to the source. In Finland, water produced from surface water is always disinfected before it is led to the water supply network in order to destroy microbes harmful to human health. Clean and good quality groundwater or artificial groundwater may not need to be disinfected.¹

Mineral content and taste of Finland's tap water

Finnish tap water is generally soft, with a low mineral content, due to the predominance of acidic rocks such as granite in the country’s bedrock. In some areas where limestone is present, the water may be medium-hard or hard.⁶ The taste is typically clean and fresh, with little to no noticeable chlorine flavor, reflecting the high quality of the raw water sources and the minimal use of chlorine in treatment.

Heading to Finland? Maximise your EUR spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in Finland. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally, be it on bottled water, food or shopping. You can spend in 150+ countries, including Finland, at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're in Finland. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to EUR. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Do I need to boil tap water in Finland to make it safe?

No, boiling tap water in Finland is not necessary for the public water supply, as it is generally safe to drink directly from the tap.¹ However, a municipality may issue a "boil water advisory" as a precautionary measure in case of potential contamination, in which case boiling for at least 5 minutes is recommended.

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ within Finland?

The taste and quality of tap water are consistently high across municipal systems. However, the taste can vary slightly depending on whether the source is groundwater or surface water, with groundwater often requiring less treatment and having a cleaner taste.⁶

Is the ice served in restaurants and bars in Finland safe to consume?

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars is generally safe to consume, as it is made from the public water supply, which is deemed safe to drink.¹

Why do some people in Finland use water filters if the tap water is safe?

While the municipal supply is safe, some people may use water filters for personal taste preference or to address potential issues with their building's plumbing. Additionally, owners of private wells are responsible for their own water quality and may use filters as a precaution.

1. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Drinking Water
2. Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: Water Quality and Consumption
3. Helsinki Region Environmental Services: Quality of Drinking Water
4. Finnish Water Association: Groundwater Situation
5. Helsinki Region Environmental Services: How the Water Supply Works
6. Finnish Water Association: Hard or Soft Water