Is Rome's tap water safe to drink?

Yes, it's generally considered reliable, since it undergoes routine checks by the local water utility, barring any temporary local notices to the contrary.

Do nasoni run in winter too?

They typically stay on year-round; the continuous flow also helps prevent pipes freezing during the rare cold spells.

Can you drink from the Trevi Fountain?

No, large monumental fountains like Trevi are purely decorative; look for a nasone or a fountain clearly marked as drinking water instead.

Rome’s nasoni: finding and using drinking fountains

Nasoni are Rome’s public fountains, recognisable by their curved spout. They are useful places to refill a bottle when available. This guide explains how to identify, use and locate them on a map; always check notices at the fountain.

What a nasone actually is

A nasone is a public cast-iron fountain named for its curved spout, which resembles a nose. Water flows continuously thanks to pressure from the city's water network, a system with roots in Rome's historic aqueducts rather than a simple on/off tap.

Is the water safe to drink?

Nasoni draw from the same municipal supply as household tap water, which is subject to routine checks by the local water utility and generally considered reliable. The exception is any fountain explicitly marked as non-drinking water — those signs should always be respected.

How to use them properly

To fill a bottle, simply hold it under the main spout. To drink directly, many locals partially cover the main opening with a finger, sending a small upward jet through a hole on top — a handy trick, though not strictly necessary.

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Where to find them

Fountains are scattered across the city, with a good concentration around the historic centre, Trastevere, Campo de' Fiori and the Termini area. Several apps and online maps, including ones from the local water utility, help locate the nearest one.

Rome's Drinking Fountains (Nasoni): 2026 Guide