Why is this even a question?
Every day, people decide what to pour into their glass: tap water or bottled mineral water. While mains water is officially of drinking water quality, many still opt for bottled water out of safety concerns.
But is this mistrust really justified?
What’s the issue with tap water?
And what would be a sustainable long-term solution?
In this article, we’ll explore these questions in detail.
Is tap water safe in Hungary?
Tap water officially meets strict Hungarian and EU standards. Water utility companies regularly monitor its quality.
But the problem doesn’t start there – it starts with how the water reaches your home.
According to a 2025 article by Index, based on statements from the Hungarian Water and Wastewater Association (MASZESZ):
- Over 94,000 pipe bursts occur each year in Hungary.
- Many sections of the pipeline network are 40–60 years old.
- In some areas, up to half the water is lost before it even reaches households.
Where water leaks out, bacteria can enter – and this happens invisibly:
No smell, no taste, no sign.
Why don’t people trust tap water?
Many families still buy bottled water, even if the tap water is technically drinkable. This is due to three main reasons:
- Sensory experience:
– metallic or chlorinated taste
– cloudy or yellowish water, especially after pipe renovations - Lack of trust:
– concerns over old pipes and potential leaks
– fear of bacterial contamination - Marketing and habit:
– bottled water seems “cleaner”
– many were raised to prefer it
How much does bottled water cost?
Bottled water is convenient, but comes with major costs – both financial and environmental:
- A family of four can spend between 150,000–250,000 HUF (€380–640) per year on bottled water.
- Several hundred kilograms of PET plastic waste is generated.
- Storage, transport, restocking, and everyone’s favorite – bottle returns – are all unnecessary logistical burdens.
And bottled water isn’t perfect either:
– some contain too much sodium or nitrate
– not all are suitable for children or daily consumption
A better solution: tap water + water treatment
Modern in-home water treatment systems make tap water not just theoretically safe, but practically safe as well.
This includes three key elements:
- Mechanical filtration
Removes sediment, rust, and suspended solids → cleaner, better-tasting water. - Water filters vs. water purifiers
These terms are often confused, but they’re not the same.
- Filters (e.g. 5-micron pre-filters or pitcher filters) remove only visible particles like sand, rust, and sediment. They do not eliminate bacteria or viruses. These filters need frequent replacement, which contributes to waste.
- Purifiers (e.g. reverse osmosis systems) provide multi-stage protection and can make water microbiologically safe.
- UV disinfection – the key step
Destroys bacteria, viruses, and protozoa – without any chemicals.
UV disinfection is already a standard solution in Western Europe and uses the same technology found in municipal water plants.
When is a UV disinfection unit useful?
-
- For well water and storage tank systems
- For mains water if you’re concerned about pipe conditions
- If you have children or want truly safe water
- If you’re tired of hauling bottles and living with uncertainty
A UV system can treat thousands of liters of water daily, with very low annual maintenance costs.
Summary – what should you drink tomorrow?
Tap water + pre-filter + UV disinfection = trust, safety, and sustainability.
No more carrying bottles, no more PET waste, no more unpleasant taste.
Water is always available – clean, reliable, and healthy.
Don’t just filter – disinfect.
Drink smart and invest in our future.
Tap water or bottled water? The answer is simple.
Bottled water is expensive, inconvenient, and polluting.
Tap water is cheaper, more sustainable, and safe to drink – if properly treated.
Many people don’t trust tap water because they can’t see inside the pipes.
But just because something is invisible doesn’t mean it’s not there: bacteria, viruses, contaminants – possibly in every glass.
The solution isn’t bottled water. It’s treating tap water safely – without chemicals – using UV.
If you want to be sure, don’t carry water home.
Trust it – but treat it yourself first.
Our Viqua UV disinfection systems are certified for drinking water safety by the Hungarian National Public Health Center (NNK).
This means our units are officially approved for disinfecting drinking water in both households and public institutions in Hungary.
