Alongside being Scotland’s second-largest city, Glasgow is famed for its super high-quality drinking water. While the locals already know this, many people outside the city aren’t aware of where it comes from or why it tastes so good. So, where does Glasgow's water come from, and why does everyone in Glasgow say it’s the best tap water in the world?

The source of all Glasgow water

Straddling the River Clyde, Glasgow is home to more than 635,000 people and hosts over 25 million visitors every year. To make sure everyone has access to the cleanest, freshest water, the city’s supply comes from Loch Katrine in the Trossachs National Park, a freshwater loch around 35 miles north of the Dear Green Place.

Loch Katrine, which is itself topped up by its near neighbours Loch Arklet and Glen Finglas Reservoir, was originally chosen because of its location high above the city and its ability to provide a source of clean, fresh water for residents following a fatal outbreak of cholera in the 1800s. By building two vast aqueducts that cover the 26-mile journey down to the city, the water system has been supplying Glasgow water for over 150 years and continues to do so today.

High Glasgow water standards

While Loch Katrine delivers naturally clean water to the city, it still goes through a rigorous treatment process by Scottish Water to make it safe. This process includes screening, aeration, and clarification before a complete filtration process to remove sediments and disinfection to kill harmful bacteria or viruses. As a final step, the pH levels are adjusted to stop the water from being too alkaline or acidic.

The supply of Glasgow water is also frequently tested so it meets The Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014, which are also in line with European Community (EC) requirements. 

With samples taken from taps, the reservoirs, and treatment works, Scottish Water carries out over 300,000 tests every year, with 99% of them passing every test. It’s no wonder Glasgow always has consistently high-quality drinking water on tap. 

Why does Glasgow water taste so good?

Because of its freshwater source, clean environment, and natural filtration, Glasgow water naturally lacks hard minerals, including calcium and magnesium. Although certain chemicals are added during treatment, namely low chlorine levels, the water is classed as ‘soft’ and has a more pleasant and natural taste. 

This softness also helps prevent the buildup of limescale in irons, kettles, pipework, and other appliances, making it ideal for excellent tea and coffee and being gentler on the skin when taking a bath or shower.

Glasgow water via Thirsty Work

Whether you’re living in Glasgow or one of the city’s many visitors, you’ll have no worries about the tap water tasting anything but good, given its natural sources. But, you might still have concerns about its taste or smell and wonder if it can taste even better. Well, the answer is yes.

With a mains-fed water cooler from Thirsty Work, you can take advantage of an in-built advanced filtration system. So, while the cooler is plumbed directly into the main Glasgow water supply, it will remove even more contaminants, pollutants, and impurities than ever.

Contact our customer service team today to find out about our mains-fed water coolers, or our bottled water coolers that use pure-filtered natural spring water from the Shropshire hills, and our fast local delivery across Glasgow and beyond. Call 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com and get your free quote or start your 10-day free trial.