This may seem like an odd question in this day & age, because plumbing & sewage systems are advanced in a good part of the Western world, but I am curious if there is any advice regarding drinking the water in Croatia and even eating the food. Is there any reason to be concerned about drinking the local water, including ice in drinks and washed food? Anyone have bad experiences?
Thanks
The water is totally safe.
I err on the side of super-vigilance on this issue, but I drank the water, used ice, ate produce etc. in Croatia with no problems at all.
Tap water is completely safe. Usually, when you order a coffee, you also get a glass of tap water with it.
In Dalmatia, because much of the water comes from water sources deep underground it is naturally pure and tastes wonderful. Where I am from, most water is drawn from rivers, which requires chlorine to make it safe, and never tastes as good.
The water is fine - as I drink a tall glass from my villa in Istria.
It's a good question, and it is totally safe to drink the water in Croatia. Just keep in mind that water systems other than your own always have the potential to cause problems only because the water has different levels of mineral content than your body may be used to. If this is the case, it usually takes a couple days for your body to adjust. But in Croatia, there isn't anything in the water that would cause a major illness.
Thanks for starting this discussion. On a related note, is it OK to ask for tap water in a restaurant instead of buying bottled water? I know in some countries it is frowned upon.
If it's OK to ask for tap water in a restaurant, how do I ask for it? Will I be understood if I ask for a "glass of water," or should I ask for "water from the sink?"
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Yes 'a glass of water' or in Croatian čaša vode (pronounced 'chasha voda'), will get you what you want.
Richard, thank you so much for your advice to ask for čaša vode (pronounced 'chasha voda') when I want tap water.
One follow-up question. In some countries (Belgium comes to mind) asking for tap water is frowned upon. I was with a group of friends in Antwerp when one of they guys insisted he wanted tap water instead of bottled. The waitress was none too pleased. This guy might have been trying to save money - a dentist??!! - but it didn't work. She charged him for the tap water! LOL
I would like to avoid any similar faux pas. Is it acceptable to ask for a glass of water - čaša vode - when in Croatia?
Thanks
