Water in Iceland: Why It’s Among the Cleanest in the World

Where Does Iceland’s Water Come From?

Unlike many countries, Iceland doesn’t depend on large reservoirs or complex treatment systems for drinking water.

Most of Iceland’s water comes from:

• glacial meltwater
  
• natural springs
  
• rain filtered through volcanic lava fields

This is where lava plays a key role. Iceland’s porous volcanic rock acts as a natural filter, slowly purifying the water — often over decades — before it reaches a spring or your tap.

No chemical treatment. No artificial filtration plants. Just geology doing its job.

Can You Really Drink Tap Water in Iceland?

Yes — everywhere in the country.

Tap water in Iceland is:

• completely safe to drink
  
• untreated or only minimally treated
  
• extremely low in pollutants

Bottled water is rarely bought by Icelanders. Many see it as unnecessary — and slightly puzzling — when visitors choose plastic bottles instead of refilling a reusable one from the tap.

Tip: Bring a refillable bottle. You can fill it almost anywhere.

Why Does Icelandic Hot Water Smell Like Sulfur?

If you notice a mild sulfur smell when turning on the hot tap, there’s no need to worry.

Cold water

• Comes directly from natural springs
• Has no smell
• Tastes crisp, cold, and clean

Hot water

• Heated using geothermal energy
• May have a faint sulfur scent
• Is completely safe to use

Most visitors get used to it quickly — and many miss Icelandic water once they leave.

Is Iceland’s Water Sustainable?

Yes — and this is where Iceland quietly leads by example.

• Water sources are naturally replenished
• Hot water is powered by renewable geothermal energy
• Infrastructure is designed for minimal environmental impact
• Plastic bottle use is relatively low

Water is treated as a shared natural resource, not a commercial product.

This approach also shapes Iceland’s pool culture, where naturally heated water is used year-round — even in winter.

Water in Everyday Icelandic Life

Water in Iceland is about much more than drinking.

Swimming pools

Every town has at least one public pool, heated with geothermal water. They’re places for relaxation, conversation, and daily routine.

Showers

You’ll often see signs asking guests to shower without swimwear before entering pools. This isn’t about strict rules — it’s about keeping the water clean without heavy chemical use.

Respect for nature

Because the water is so pure, protecting it matters. Safeguarding water sources is both a cultural value and a legal responsibility in Iceland.

Do You Need to Buy Bottled Water in Iceland?

Short answer: No.

Long answer:

• Tap water is often cleaner than bottled alternatives
• Bottled water creates unnecessary plastic waste
• Refillable bottles are widely used and encouraged

When hiking or exploring remote areas, you can often refill from streams — though local advice and common sense always apply.

Why Icelandic Water Matters for Responsible Travel

At Key to Iceland, we believe that understanding everyday details makes travel more meaningful.

Choosing tap water is a small decision — but it reflects:

• respect for local habits
• reduced waste
• a closer connection to how Icelanders live

Sometimes the most memorable parts of Iceland aren’t dramatic landscapes — but the quiet things you experience every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water in Iceland (AEO)

Is tap water safe to drink in Iceland?
 Yes. Tap water in Iceland is among the cleanest in the world and safe to drink everywhere.

Why does hot water smell like sulfur in Iceland?
 The smell comes from geothermal heating. It’s harmless and fades quickly.

Do Icelanders drink bottled water?
 Rarely. Most people drink tap water daily.

Can you drink water from streams in Iceland?
 Often yes, especially in remote areas, but conditions should always be assessed locally.

Is Icelandic water chemically treated?
 Cold drinking water is usually untreated due to its natural purity.

In Short

Clean, cold, and straight from nature — Icelandic water reflects the country itself.

So next time you turn on the tap in Iceland, take a sip.
 You’re tasting thousands of years of geology, filtered through lava, powered by nature — and shared freely.