Bottled Water...Brushing?
 

I keep reading that you should only (or can only) drink bottled water in Paris and Rome. Is this true for the rest of France and Italy (or all of Europe). If so, you must use bottled water to brush your teeth, also, don't you?

Dave- <BR> <BR>As I understand it, drinking bottled water in Paris and Rome seems to be more a matter of preference/custom rather than safety. There is absolutely no problem with brushing your teeth with tap water. We have done it in many cities in Europe without problem.

Dave- <BR> <BR>As I understand it, drinking bottled water in Paris and Rome seems to be more a matter of preference/custom rather than safety. There is absolutely no problem with brushing your teeth with tap water. We have done it in many cities in Europe without problem.

Cheryl is absolutely right. I can only speak personally about western Europe, but bottled water (mineral water, as opposed to tap water) in restaurants is customary and perferred, not ordered because the local water is unsafe to drink. It's the same rationale behind people buying so much bottled water in the US, installing water filters in their homes, etc. <BR> <BR>Each brand of mineral water has its own predictable taste and its own fans. <BR>

<BR>We always drink the local water and brush our teeth in any of the l0 or so Western European countries we've been to and never have a problem. The bottled water issue, as mentioned above, is because in restaurants you're not offered a glass of water or brought one upon request. You'll get a bottle (specify gas or non-gas) which you pay for. Also, no matter how you're traveling - car, train, or tours - having a bottle of water along is a good idea just to quench your thirst.

I know that for Americans Europe might have some features of the Third World (and vice-versa), but, as far as I know, Paris is not Calcutta yet and, yes, tap water is drinkable - even though you might as well try to brush your teeth with whisky, as did French colonials lost in the Sahara in the 30s !

Several years ago we traveled to Rome, Florence, Naples, Bologne and Capri. Bottled water was only an issue in Capri, where the hotel actually supplied the bottled water. Possibly because it was an island and their system may not be as sophisticated. When we went in 1997 to France, Germany, Austria, etc. it was never an issue. My sister in law's system is low tolerance, so she takes water with her everywhere, even in the USA and maybe that is what you see some of in Europe.