Can I drink the water?

Conflicting advice about water quality in Moscow is rife. On the one hand, you have authorities at water companies vehemently stating that the water is safe, sanitized and perfect for imbibing. On the other, restaurants only serve bottled water, most Russians drink bottled water and most guidebooks scream "don't drink the water!" So which is it?

While there is proof that the St. Petersburg water supply has contained giardia, a nasty intestinal parasite, there is no conclusive link to Moscow. The yellowish tinge to your bathwater is apparently down to additional groundwater run-off in the spring when the snow melts, and while unsightly, it is not necessarily harmful. That said, pre-Soviet era pipes remain in use and there do seem to be raised nitrate levels in Moscow water. That isn't terribly bad for your health unless you're pregnant — then it's not advisable. With a basic supermarket water filter costing less than 500 rubles, you're better safe than sorry. But for brushing your teeth, washing your fruit and summertime water fights, you'll be absolutely fine.

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