Where Did Tap Water Get Its Bad Reputation?

If you ask your parents or grandparents, you’ll probably hear that people really didn’t drink tap water in the past.

And they’ll be right.

Just a few decades ago, water infrastructure looked very different. Water treatment technologies were less advanced, and many buildings still have old plumbing systems dating back to a previous era.

The problem is that our beliefs change much more slowly than reality.

Today, most major cities invest millions of złoty in modernizing their water networks, yet the stereotype that “it’s better to buy bottled water” remains very strong.

Are There Situations When It’s Better Not to Drink Tap Water?

Yes. Although they don’t usually concern the water itself.

In most cases, the issue is the plumbing inside the building.

If you live in a very old building with pipes that haven’t been replaced for decades, the quality of the water can deteriorate during the final part of its journey to your tap.

The same applies after a longer absence. If you’re coming back from a two-week holiday, it’s a good idea to let the water run for a little while before pouring yourself a glass.

That doesn’t mean the water is unsafe. It’s simply good practice.

What About Chlorine?

This is one of the most common arguments against tap water.

It’s true that in some places you can notice the characteristic smell of chlorine. But that doesn’t mean the water is of lower quality.

Quite the opposite.

Chlorine helps prevent the growth of bacteria as water travels through the water supply network. Its concentration is strictly controlled and considered safe for health.

If you don’t like the taste or smell, simply leave the water in a jug for a few minutes. Chlorine is volatile and evaporates quickly.

Tap Water or Bottled Water?

There’s no single answer to this question, but it’s worth looking at it from a broader perspective.

When you buy bottled water, you’re not paying only for the water itself. You’re also paying for the plastic packaging, transportation, storage, and advertising.

Tap water is available instantly, costs many times less, and doesn’t require another plastic bottle to be produced.

That’s why more and more people are choosing a simple combination: a good reusable bottle and tap water.

Not because it’s trendy.

Simply because it makes sense.

What Is It Like in Other European Countries?

In many European countries, drinking tap water is completely normal. In Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria, few people buy bottled water on a daily basis. In restaurants, it’s often enough to ask for a jug of water, and cities have plenty of public drinking fountains.

Poland is moving in the same direction. More and more local governments are investing in public drinking fountains, while restaurants and cafés are making water available to their guests at no extra cost.

That’s a good direction to take. Because access to drinking water should be something we can simply take for granted.

Where Can You Get a Drink Outside Your Home?

Drinking tap water is easy at home. The bigger challenge is spending a day in the city, travelling, or going for a walk when the water in your bottle runs out.

That’s exactly why Tovoda was created. The app features a map of restaurants, cafés, libraries, public offices, and many other places where you can drink tap water for free or refill your reusable bottle.

Because access to good drinking water shouldn’t end at the front door of your home.