Is the water potable in Swiss mountain huts?
Swiss mountain huts often have running water (for toilets and handwashing), but usually signage that state the water is not potable for drinking.
Is this sign for one's own benefit (and health), just a CYA (cover-your-ass) strategy for the hut, or a tactic intended to sell more bottled water (usually at ridiculous prices)?
In addition to avoiding the cost of the water sold in the hut, I feel it's not really eco-friendly to helicopter in a ton of water bottles and then have to dispose of the waste. Nobody needs an excuse to hydrate less (especially in the mountains), but obviously not catching any weird bugs is important too.
Best Answer
Yes.
It is safe to drink water in Swiss mountain huts. Huts are generally high in the mountains and the water comes straight from melting snow and ice or from springs. It may not bear the certificate of the Swiss authorities, but pretty much everybody who visits mountain huts drinks this water. Some do sell bottled water but you absolutely don't need to purchase that.
I've personally done hundreds of hikes in the Swiss alps, and many of my family and friends have been hiking there all their lives. Most drink from streams or public taps low or high in the mountains and I've never heard of any problems. I've never seen people carrying filters either.
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Can you drink Swiss mountain water?
I'm Swiss and I've been drinking water from mountain streams all my life, without any altitude restriction, while observing three basic rules. You can drink the water if: the river is small enough to jump across it. there is no cattle (alpage) above, where cows, goats and sheep may poo into the water.Is Swiss water potable?
Swiss drinking water is of very high quality and meets strict guidelines regarding hygiene and safety. Like any natural product, tap water contains trace substances, but due to the stringent regulations on drinking water treatment, their concentration is at such a low level that it can be drunk without hesitation.Can you drink the lake water in Switzerland?
Here is there response! Thank you for your e-mail. To drink from the water spout in M\xfcrren should be harmless but we advise you against drinking water from any natural sources like streams or lakes in the region. They can be contaminated with bacterial or other things who can endanger your health.Can you drink the water in French Alps?
Although many French people prefer bottled water, in most places in France, tap water is perfectly okay to drink.Things to know about STAYING in a MOUNTAIN HUT in SWITZERLAND
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