As also National Geographic writes, for every six water bottles we use, only one makes it to the recycling bin.If you are traveling in Italy you will find that – especially in the North – waiters and shops charge you for asking water, no matter if it’s a glass or a liter. Sometimes you ask for a glass of water and it comes with a plastic bottle on the side. Again, while you walk through the cities’ streets and you happen to be thirsty, buying a bottle of water in a shop or bar can cost you up to 3 euro for half a liter, depending on the area. This is simply because many Italians are not accustomed to using tap water, they prefer bottled water, even if it is bad for the environment.
Fist Tip: Expressly Ask for Tap Water
If you want tap water, you should specify it to the waiting staff of the restaurant or bar, asking for a glass of “acqua di rubinetto”.
Second Tip: Look for a Street Fontanella
If you are wandering around, you should know that unless you find a sign saying ‘acqua non potabile’ little drinking fountains like the one in the picture are designed to provide anincessant stream of fresh waterto people in the street. Local municipalitesare in charge of verifying that the service works and water respect quality standard. A curiosity: Milan’s drinking fountains are more than 500 and called by locals “vedovelle” (young widows) because they never stop “crying”. Their design dates back to the early1930s and the oldest one is in Piazza Scala (map of Milan’svedovelle). You will find in this useful Italian website the maps of fontanelle scattered aroundRome, Turin, Trieste, Genoaand other Italian cities.
Walking around Milan you can see street green fountains with running water. Not everyone knows that this water is drinking. You don't need to buy bottled water in bars and supermarkets in Milan. Just fill up your bottles in the green fountains.
Instead of buying bottled mineral water, you can just fill it for free on the street. Interestingly, Italy is full of ancient water fountains. They can be incredibly beautiful, so bring your water bottle and camera! Some public areas have paid refill stations, that serve filtered tap water for 5 to 10 eurocents.
The waiter will usually ask whether you want your water still (liscia or naturale) or sparkling (gassata or frizzante). If you want tap water, you should ask specifically for tap water (acqua di rubinetto). If you are buying water in a supermarket or convenience store, you will come across several other water choices.
At restaurants, know what you do and don't have to pay for
Yes, you do have to pay for water. (You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,” tap water, but it's often seen as a bit rude. Plus, those glasses of tap water will take ages to get refilled by your waiter, if they're refilled at all!).
Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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