The Short Version
This claim is false. The European Commission states that tap water in most EU countries is "very good" and safe to drink, meeting or exceeding WHO standards. Over 95% of EU citizens receive tap water that meets EU safety requirements. EU tap water is actually tested more frequently and rigorously than bottled water, which is often repackaged municipal supply. New 2026 EU rules have further strengthened tap water standards, including mandatory PFAS monitoring. No credible evidence supports the claim that bottled water is generally safer across most of Europe.