Is Edinburgh tap water safe to drink?

Author: Michael
28th February 2025
7 mins read

The quality of tap water is an important concern for many people, and if you’re living in or visiting Edinburgh, you might wonder if the tap water here is safe to drink?  The short answer is yes, Edinburgh’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

However, after completing hundreds of lead water tests across the city, we were shocked to find a failure rate of less than 1%. Given Edinburgh’s historic lead plumbing systems, this really surprised the team here at Celsius. Of course, the news was welcomed by the tenants, landlords and letting agents we work for.

That said, Scotland is renowned for its high standards when it comes to water quality, and the tap water in Edinburgh is no exception.  Here’s why Edinburgh’s tap water is safe, how it’s made that way and what you can do to make it even better.

Where Edinburgh’s tap water comes from

Edinburgh’s water is supplied by Scottish Water, a company committed to delivering clean and high-quality water to homes and businesses.  The water is sourced from local reservoirs in the hills around the city.  It is treated to remove impurities, and tested rigorously to meet strict safety and quality standards set by the government’s Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).

For most people, drinking tap water straight from the tap is perfectly safe.  However, some older properties in Edinburgh may have lead plumbing or outdated fixtures that can affect the water quality.

It's crystal clear but what might be in your Edinburgh tap water?

 

What might be in your drinking water?

Depending on the natural environment of the water supply source, your water may contain harmless traces of some of the substances listed below:

  • Aluminium.  Some aluminium can occur naturally in water or where it has been used as part of a treatment process to cleanse the water.  The regulatory limit is set at 200 microgrammes per litre.
  • Fluoride.  Low levels of fluoride can occur naturally in water.  The regulatory limit is set at 1500 microgrammes per litre.  No additional fluoride is added.
  • Iron and Manganese.  These both naturally occur in surface waters and levels can vary from season to season.  The regulatory limit is set at 200 microgrammes per litre for iron and 50 microgrammes per litre for manganese.  There are no health risks from either of these substances, and regulatory levels are set to avoid colouring, tastes, and staining.

 

Scotland’s tap water is first class, but we need to make sure it stays that way.

Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland

How Edinburgh water is treated

Mains water in Edinburgh is treated to remove any impurities that may be present in the raw water source so that it complies with strict regulations.  The way your water is treated depends on its source, as each water supply has unique characteristics.  Here’s the typical treatment process:

  1. Screening.  Once the water has been piped to the treatment works, it is passed through mesh screens to remove leaves and debris.
  2. Aeration.  Aeration brings water and air into close contact to remove dissolved gases like carbon dioxide.  Dissolved gases are eliminated, and metal salts are oxidised for easier filtration.
  3. Clarification.  A chemical coagulant is added just prior to clarification, forming ‘super particles’ called floc.  These particles settle and carry suspended particles with them, trapping bacteria and absorbing colour.  The resulting sludge is removed, leaving clarified water.
  4. Filtration.  The clarified water is filtered to remove any remaining particles before a disinfectant is added.
  5. Disinfection.  A disinfectant, usually chlorine, is added to ensure the water is safe to drink.  Chlorine has been used since 1897 and is harmless at the concentrations used in supplies.
  6. pH Adjustment.  The pH level of the water is adjusted to ensure it is not too acidic, which could corrode pipes, or too alkaline, which could leave deposits.  Additionally, an orthophosphoric acid is sometimes added to the water.  This forms a protective layer inside pipes, preventing metals like lead from leaching into the water.  Once adjusted, the water is clear, safe, and ready to drink.

What you need to know about Lead in older plumbing

If you live in, or are staying in, an older building, there’s a small chance your plumbing system may include lead pipes. Although lead has not been used in new plumbing systems since the 1970s, many older homes still have some lead pipework.  This can sometimes lead to traces of lead leaching into your drinking water, which can pose health risks over time, especially for children and pregnant women.

When repairing or upgrading plumbing systems, good plumbers use lead-free materials, such as lead-free solder.  This ensures compliance with modern safety standards and eliminates the risk of lead contamination in your water.  Learn more about lead-free solder and safe plumbing practices in our Lead-Free Blog.

We work with local hotels, landlords and airbnb hosts test their water supply for lead pipes.  We provide a lead testing service for homeowners and Edinburgh landlords to identify any potential risks and provide practical solutions.

Celsius sign pledge to support WaterSafe Lead-Free campaign.

A water 2 filter makes the tap water in Edinburgh taste even better.

Filter your tap water and it’ll taste even better

Even though Edinburgh’s tap water is generally safe, many people prefer to use water filters for an even better taste and extra peace of mind.  Good water filters reduce chlorine levels and remove trace impurities.  If you’re interested in enhancing the quality of your water, check out if our water 2 filter installation service is the right solution for your needs.

You can really taste the difference and we no longer have the metallic taste.” Source – google review 2024.

Keeping your water safe

Good plumbing plays a significant role in maintaining water quality.  If you notice discolouration, unusual tastes, or even odours in your tap water, it is time to investigate your home’s plumbing system for potential contaminants.

Stay informed and keep your water safe

In summary, Edinburgh’s tap water is safe to drink, thanks to the high standards maintained by Scottish Water.  However, factors like old plumbing or personal preferences for water taste may lead you to consider filtration or testing.  Contact the team at Celsius if you need expert help with plumbing, lead testing, water filtration and keeping your water supply as safe and clean as possible.

Is Edinburgh tap water safe to drink?

Yes, Edinburgh’s tap water is safe to drink.  Scottish Water rigorously tests and treats the water to meet strict UK safety standards.  If you live in an older property, consider testing for lead pipes that may affect water quality and safety.

Do I need a water filter in Edinburgh?

Tap water in Edinburgh is safe to drink without a filter.  However, some people prefer using water filters to improve taste or remove trace impurities.

What should I do if my tap water tastes or looks unusual?

Changes in taste, colour, or odour can indicate issues with your plumbing or water supply.  We recommend contacting us for a professional inspection through our plumbing services.

What should I do if I suspect my storage tank water is unsafe?

Worried about your water tank?  Here’s What to Do

If you’re concerned about the water quality in your storage tank, it’s best to get advice from a licensed plumber.  Tanks need regular maintenance to keep the water safe.  At Celsius, we recommend using the WaterSafe scheme to find reliable plumbers and heating professionals near you.  Regular inspections and cleaning can help ensure your tank is dependable and the water is safe to use.

How can I test for lead in my home’s water supply?

If your home has older plumbing, testing for lead is a good precaution.  We offer a lead testing service for landlords, which helps identify any risks and ensures your water is safe to drink.

Is fluoride added to Scottish water?

No, additional fluoride is not added to water in Edinburgh, although this is a common misconception.  Low levels of fluoride can occur naturally in the water, but these are well within the regulatory limit of 1500 microgrammes per litre.  The naturally occurring levels are safe and meet all health and safety standards.

Michael

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