Every year, millions of people visit London to see the world-famous London attractions and landmarks.
To reduce the city’s environmental impact, visitors are encouraged to carry reusable water bottles to stay hydrated during their stay, instead of purchasing single-use plastic water bottles.
Discover where you can drink tap water and refill your water bottle for a more sustainable day out in London.
Is London water safe to drink?
London's tap water is safe to drink. In fact, tap water around the UK is rated among the best in the world.
Every year, Thames Water carry out thousands of tests by taking samples from water mains, pipes and customer taps. These tests ensure that the water quality meets standards set by UK and European legislation.
Where does London tap water come from?
Most of the water in London comes from the river Thames and river Lea. The remainder is from groundwater underneath the capital, which comes from rain.
To ensure that the tap water in London is drinkable, the collected water is put through multiple treatment processes to remove any contaminants before it’s pumped into the taps of homes and businesses.
Tap water in London hotels, restaurants and bars
Many London hotels, restaurants and bars offer tap water refills as part of the Refill London campaign supported by the Mayor of London.
Launched in 2019, the scheme helps people in the capital eat, drink and shop with less plastic by encouraging businesses to sign up and offer their establishment as a refill station.
There are more than 4,500 refill stations across London, where you can refill your water bottle free of charge with drinkable tap water.
How to find water fountains in London
In addition to the Refill London scheme, a network of more than 100 drinking water fountains has been installed across busy areas of London, as part of a drive to reduce single-use plastic bottles and improve the capital’s environmental impact.
Thames Water first launched the initiative in 2019 in partnership with the Mayor of London to enable Londoners and visitors to refill their reusable water bottles with free tap water. The drinking fountains are dotted around the city and easily recognisable due to their distinctive blue water droplet.
Can I get water from a pub or restaurant?
All licensed premises authorised to serve alcohol, including pubs, bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, must by law provide free drinking water, even if you are not a paying customer.
Non-licensed premises (ones that can't serve alcohol) are not obligated to provide free water, but the Mayor of London is encouraging these businesses to offer free water refills and drinking fountains as part of the Refill London scheme.
Carry a water bottle
Carry a refillable water bottle with you to save money and help the environment by reducing plastic waste. Fill up at existing water fountains, any licensed premises or your own tap.
Discover more ways to be sustainable in London, including using public transport, visiting green spaces and supporting sustainable shops.
