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Rome has excellent drinking water and there are many public water fountains. The water supply in Rome is still based on the work of the ancient Romans.
Water quality
The tap water in Rome is generally a very fresh, tasty and chalky potable water of excellent quality. Tap water is under continuous quality control and slightly chlorinated. In some suburbs of Rome, the water is slightly sparkling and is slightly effervescent from the pipe. You can safely drink tap water in Rome.
Nasoni
In many streets and parks in Rome, you will find fountains with fresh running water. They are called “Fontanelle” or even “Nasoni“.
The water is always potable water, otherwise you’ll find a note, that the water is “acqua non potabile”. All wells are checked regularly.
The Fontanelle have usually a hole on the top of the spout. If you close the spout with your finger, the water splashes out of the hole and you can have the water sprayed directly into the mouth. It is forbidden to touch the spout with your mouth!
You can safely fill a water bottle at the bubbler and it is absolutely not necessary to buy bottled water.
In St. Peter’s Square you will find drinking water wells around the obelisk at the lampposts.
Sparkling water
The Roman waterworks have several water stations in the city where you can get chilled drinking water with and without gas. They are called “Casa dell’Acqua” – House of Water. The declared aim is to reduce the consumption of plastic bottles. There are water stations not only in the city center, but also in many neighborhoods. Cell phones can also be charged at the stations.
The following water stations are particularly interesting for tourists:
Water Stations at the Colosseum
- Station in front of the Colosseum Metro Station
- Station at the Arch of Constantine
- Station opposite the exit of the Colosseum
Water Stations near the Vatican
- Cipro Metro Station
- Ottaviano Metro Station
- Piazza Risorgimento (to be installed by the end of 2024)
Other Water Stations
- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Bahnhof Termini
- Bahnhof TiburtinaTrastevere: Piazza Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli
- Testaccio: Piazza di S Maria Liberatrice
- Basilica di San Giovanni: Piazza di Porta san Giovanni
- Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme: Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
- Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura: Viale San Paolo
- Basilica di San Lorenzo: Piazzale del Verano
The Rome Public Utility Company App
ACEA, Rome’s public utility company, has developed an app that allows you to find all the water points and water stations. The app can be downloaded from the Waidy Wow site.
Monumental fountains
Since ancient times, the Romans have placed great value on a good water supply. Since the fourth century BC the waters of the Tiber was no more sufficient for the provision of water, they began to build aqueducts and brought them to a high architecture.
In ancient times, 12 aqueducts were realized, conducting the water over long distances. Today, there are 16 water supplies to the city. Many of the fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain, the large fountain Acqua Paola on the Gianicolo Hill or the two fountains on the St. Peter’s Square, are fed by ancient aqueducts with potable water.
To save water, many monumental fountains today have circulation systems. The drinking from the monumental fountains is therefore usually harmless, but not recommended. It is forbidden to jump into the Roman wells or even to put your feet in it.
Water Supply
Rome’s water supply is normally reliable and abundant. The surrounding area has rich water resources and serious shortages are rare. In very dry summers the water levels of nearby lakes can drop, occasionally leading to temporary conservation measures – most recently in the summer of 2017. The free drinking water fountains are as a rule in operation throughout the year.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Drinking Water in Rome
Can you drink tap water in Rome?
Yes, Rome’s tap water is good-quality drinking water. It is fresh, slightly hard, and regularly tested. In some suburbs it comes out of the tap with a light natural fizz. Drinking tap water in Rome is perfectly fine.
What are Nasoni?
Nasoni are Rome’s typical street drinking fountains. The name means “big noses” and refers to the curved shape of the spout. There are around 2,500 of them across the city – on streets, in parks, and on squares. The water runs continuously and is drinking water. If a fountain is not suitable for drinking, it is marked “acqua non potabile”.
How do you use a Nasone?
Block the lower opening with your finger – water will then jet upward through a small hole on top, which you can direct straight into your mouth. This is hygienic and practical. Touching the spout with your mouth is not allowed.
Where can I find free drinking water in Rome?
At the Nasoni throughout the city, at the Casa dell’Acqua water stations, and on St Peter’s Square around the obelisk at the lamp posts. Water stations can be found near the Colosseum, at the Arch of Constantine, at Cipro and Ottaviano metro stations, near Castel Sant’Angelo, at Termini station, and in Trastevere.
What is a Casa dell’Acqua?
Casa dell’Acqua – literally “water house” – is a water station run by Rome’s municipal utility ACEA where you can fill up with chilled still or sparkling drinking water free of charge. The aim is to reduce plastic bottle consumption. Many stations also have phone charging points. They are found not only in the centre but across many of Rome’s neighbourhoods.
Can you drink from Rome’s monumental fountains?
No. Many large fountains including the Trevi Fountain use recirculated water rather than fresh running water. For drinking, a Nasone or water station is a better choice. Jumping into Rome’s fountains or even dangling your feet in them is prohibited.
Is there a water shortage in Rome?
Serious shortages are rare, as the area around Rome has abundant water resources. In very dry summers there can be temporary conservation measures – most recently in the summer of 2017, when the level of Lago di Bracciano dropped and some Nasoni were temporarily switched off. As a rule, the free drinking water fountains are in operation throughout the year.
Where can I find all drinking water fountains in Rome?
Rome’s municipal utility ACEA offers the Waidy Wow app, which lists all Nasoni and water stations across the city. The app is available at https://acea-waidy.web.app/
