Where in the Czech Republic is the cleanest and tastiest water flowing from the tap, and how did Prague fare in this ranking? The results of recent tests show surprising differences between individual cities and regions and confirm that the resource plays a crucial role.
For most of us, tap water is a daily thing, the quality of which we gradually stopped perceiving. At the same time, it is about something that affects our health but also, for example, household appliances. The Czech Republic is one of the countries with strict standards for drinking water, yet its actual properties vary significantly depending on the region, source and method of treatment. And that is precisely why regular water quality measurements receive a lot of attention.
Where is the best tap water?
According to current tests by Aquatest as, Mladá Boleslav was ranked best. The water here comes from high-quality underground sources and shows an exceptionally low content. Natural filtration in the rocks ensures the water has a delicate taste and purity, which stands up even when compared to bottled mineral waters.
Brno was at the opposite end of the ranking. The local water suffers from a higher content of undesirable substances, especially nitrates and trace metals. Although these do not exceed hygienic limits in most cases, they may pose a certain risk in the long term.
The situation in Prague is interesting. Prague tap water was overall in the lower half of the resultsmainly due to the chemical composition and different sources in individual districts. The western part of the metropolis, which draws water from better local sources, fared better. In terms of taste, Prague water can seem harder or with a slight hint of chlorine, but this is more related to treatment than to health.
How the source affects water quality
Deep underground wells usually provide the purest water. The individual layers of rocks act as a natural filter and can remove most impurities from the water. A typical example is Teplice nad Metují, where the water, thanks to its exceptional purity, is also used in the production of baby water. In the case of this city, the cleanliness is so high that it surpasses even normal standards.
The situation is much worse with shallow wells. They are sensitive to surface pollution. Herbicides from the cultivation of rapeseed or corn, increased amounts of nitrates and phosphates and trace metals represent a significant problem. Up to three quarters of shallow groundwater in the Czech Republic do not meet standardswhich clearly shows how crucial the depth and position of the source is.
It’s not just about taste
However, the quality of water is not only reflected in its taste, but also in its effect on health. Long-term drinking of water with a higher content of undesirable substances can lead to increased blood pressure or . Metal particles from the pipe can burden the liver or nervous system. While these issues usually don’t show up right away, it’s a problem that’s really crucial in the long run.
The differences in the quality of tap water in the Czech Republic are more pronounced than many might think. While Mladá Boleslav offers really high-quality water, other cities are struggling with a higher content of chemical substances. Prague water is rather average, although it depends on the specific part of the metropolis. But one thing is certain: it pays to know what we drink and adjust accordingly.
