Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in London?

Tap water in London UK is ranked as one of the cleanest water in the world, so tap water in the UK is absolutely drinkable.

Something that will not be the best in this water is the taste. A Higher percentage of calcium makes water in London hard. Despite the quality of water, it tastes a bit different than the one you used to drinking.

Following the rules of the World Health Organization, the United Kingdom conducts water testing and thus maintains water quality at the highest level. Millions of water tests are carried annually to control the quality of water as well as ensuring the safety of citizens and visitors of London who are consuming it.

Sources of Water In London

Sources of water in the United Kingdom are surface water like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as underground springs and aquifers. River Thames is the main reservoir of water in London, and it provides around 70% of water but, before it comes to the pipes in London’s households, it’s essential to be threatened. The Thames Water Ring Main provides The major part of the water supply in London is the Thames Water Ring Main, and after, it distributes water within London.

But, before it comes to the taps of London households, it’s necessary to be treated. The Thames Water Ring Main is London’s water supply infrastructure, which manages the water treatment, and ensures the distribution of water within London.

If you are not a citizen of London UK, the taste of water could be slightly different than the water you use to drinking. Minerals in the water, especially groundwater that contains more minerals than the surface water, are changing the taste of the water and make it harder. Thanks to frequent rains, the water is continuously replenished water sources and never stagnates, so therefore significantly contributes to the quality of water.

Process of the filtration

The process of the filtration of water is very complicated. The first step involves water storage in reservoirs for an undefined period. Under the impact of the sun, bacteria and other particles are settled to the bottom. After, the contaminants are removed with a sieve, to prepare the water for the next step. The second step involves adding quite different chemical coagulants to improve water clarity.

The second part of the filtration involves eliminating unwanted gases from the water. Gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are extracted out of the water so that the water is ready for the next step. Removing bad odors and improving water clarity requires using a Granular Activated Carbon vessel.

The last part before distributing water to consumers makes includes using ozone and chlorine, to eliminate pesticides and any remaining bacteria. 

Creating a longer-lasting lead agent, including water treatment with ammonia.

Cost of bottled water

All in all, drinking tap water is much safer than drinking the bottled one. The average cost of bottled water ( 1.5  litter) is around 0.85 £.