How Does Water Safety Work in Singapore?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Singapore tap water is completely safe to drink and is among the best quality in Asia — no bottled water needed.
2What You Need to Know
Singapore's tap water meets World Health Organization standards and is safe to drink directly from any tap without filtering or boiling. Singapore supplements its reservoir supply with NEWater (highly treated reclaimed water) and desalinated water, making it one of the most water-secure countries in the world. There is no need to buy bottled water, and doing so is an unnecessary expense. Water quality is consistently tested and publicly reported by PUB, Singapore's national water agency.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Drink freely from hotel room taps and public water coolers — the water is excellent quality
- 2Skip buying bottled water at convenience stores; refill a reusable bottle instead and save money
- 3Singapore's water infrastructure is so reliable that boiling water before drinking is completely unnecessary
How does this compare?
Water Safety rules in nearby and similar countries:
Tap water in Japan is completely safe to drink throughout the entire country.
Tap water in Thailand is not safe to drink — always use bottled or purified water, which is cheap and widely available everywhere.
Never drink tap water in India — always use sealed bottled water, and be cautious of ice and raw foods washed in local water.
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More About Singapore
Do not tip in Singapore. A 10% service charge is automatically added to all restaurant bills. Tipping is not part of the culture.
Updated 2025-01
Singapore has an excellent, clean MRT and bus network. Use an EZ-Link card or tap with your contactless bank card. Public transport is cheap and air-conditioned.
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Singapore has world-class healthcare but at very high prices. Travel insurance is essential. English is spoken everywhere. Polyclinics are cheaper than private GPs.
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Singapore enforces laws very strictly. Chewing gum is banned for sale. Drugs carry the death penalty. Littering and jaywalking are heavily fined.
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Police: 999. Ambulance & Fire: 995. Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000. Singapore has extremely fast emergency response.
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Singapore is hot and humid — dress light. Modest dress required at temples and mosques. Upscale clubs and restaurants have smart casual dress codes.
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