Refill Stations Around the World - The Cleanest and Coolest Spots to Top Off Your PATH Bottle

Source: BigThink

Where in Austria are water refill stations? 

Source: Vienna Insights

 

Austria has some of the world's greatest drinking water. Vienna offers a refreshing alternative to disposable plastic bottles with its extensive network of over 900 drinking fountains, ensuring easy access to clean mountain spring water for residents and visitors alike. Sourced from the protected Hochschwab region since 1910, the city's water is renowned for its purity and high quality, praised even in travel guides. The fountains, located in parks, playgrounds, and near markets, are turned off in winter but reactivated each spring, providing a sustainable way to stay hydrated. Visitors can use a mobile map to find these fountains, making it easy to refill your PATH while exploring Vienna's sights.

 

Where are Finland's water refill hydrants? 

Source: HSY

 

Helsinki’s 76 functioning water hydrants, dating back to the 19th century, offer free, clean tap water across the metropolitan area, providing a refreshing option for outdoor enthusiasts. Though originally used for household water supply before indoor plumbing, today, these green hydrants, maintained by the Helsinki Region Environmental Services (HSY), are conveniently located near markets and recreational areas like Suomenlinna and Mustikkamaa. Operating from April to October, they offer a climate-friendly, additive-free alternative to bottled water, helping reduce plastic waste. Their locations can be easily found using HSY’s map service.

 

Is the drinking water in Greece safe? 

Source: Skiathos Refill Stations

 

Yes, major cities and tourist areas have excellent, in some cases, award-winning drinking water. The Greek Islands have a different system, and you are advised to check before refilling there. An example of refill station implementation efforts to reduce plastic waste is in the Municipality of Skiathos, which installed three Drinking Water Refill Stations in August 2021, drawing from the Profitis Ilias spring water source. These stations, separate from the town's Ftelia water network, provide clean drinking water while cutting down on the use of plastic bottles. Regular monitoring ensures water quality and network efficiency, with weekly tests and checks for leaks twice daily. Since their installation, approximately 98,000 plastic bottles have been saved. Strategically placed near schools and the port, this initiative, supported by a philanthropic foundation, helps Skiathos combat plastic waste and reduce its environmental impact.

 

Can you drink the tap water in Malta?

Source: Very Valleta, Fontana dell’Aquila Drinking Water Fountain 

 

Yes, tap water in Malta is safe to drink and meets EU and WHO Drinking Water Standards, as regulated by the Public Health authorities. The water comes from two main sources—seawater reverse osmosis plants and groundwater—both of which are safe, though there may be slight differences in mineral content across regions. While Malta's tap water may have a stronger chlorine taste due to necessary sanitation, it remains perfectly safe for consumption. For travelers, the tap water is thoroughly tested and safe to drink directly from the source.

 

Is Switzerland water safe to refill my water bottle?

Source: Refill Ambassadors

 

With thousands of public fountains offering fresh, clean water, many of which feature stunning designs, Switzerland is one of the top places in the world for refilling your water bottle. While Switzerland may be known for its high prices, access to free, clean drinking water is abundant, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travelers armed with a PATH bottle. Although most fountains operate year-round, some close during winter, and a few provide non-drinkable water, which is clearly marked. Whether you're exploring cities or hiking in the countryside, you're never far from a refill. For convenience, the Refill app and local maps, like those in Zurich and Lucerne, help locate fountains. Beyond water, Switzerland also promotes a zero-waste lifestyle, encouraging reusable cups, cutlery, and containers with expanding initiatives like Refill Swiss.

Does San Francisco have safe drinking water? 

Source: Clement Street Refill Station

 

Yes, San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy water, sourced from the snowmelt-fed Tuolumne River in the Sierra Nevadas, is renowned for its high-quality drinking water. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) rigorously tests the water more than 250 times daily for contaminants like microbes, copper, and lead, consistently meeting or exceeding all state and federal standards. To ensure its purity and taste, the water undergoes treatment before being distributed to millions of Bay Area residents via an extensive network of pipelines and tunnels. The City of San Francisco encourages refilling b with the Drink Map Program.

Are Rome’s ancient water fountains safe to drink from?

Source: Montage Travel

 

Yes. "Nasoni," meaning "large noses" in Italian, are iconic water fountains in Rome, named for their distinctive shape. First introduced in the 1870s with only 20 installations, they grew to around 5,000 at their peak, supplying fresh water to the city's residents. Today, over 2,500 remain, with around 400 in the city center. Romans once considered water a divine gift from the gods, and the name "fountain" comes from their deity of springs, Fons. While originally practical, nasoni evolved into artistic structures, now scattered across major Roman sites like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. Travelers can enjoy free access to clean water by either drinking directly from the spout or filling bottles.

 

We're helping you choose your PATH wherever you're headed in the world. This map from BigThink offers a visual of countries that have invested in clean water systems that are dedicated to supplying clean drinking water for you to refill on the go.

 

 

Source: BigThink