While "clearest" can be subjective, Cyprus often ranks #1 for overall clean swimming water quality by the EEA, the Bahamas (Exuma) offers famously clear tropical waters, and New Zealand's Blue Lake is known for exceptional clarity in freshwater, though its sacred status limits access, with other contenders including the Cook Islands and parts of Croatia and the Maldives.
The clearest water in the world: 10 stunning places to swim
These are the countries with the cleanest drinking water in the world:
Chile. Did you know that the very cleanest water in the world is located in Puerto Williams, Chile? That was recently discovered by scientists at the universities of Texas and Chile. They have collaborated on research into the cleanliness of water resources in the world.
The vast majority of water on the Earth's surface, over 96 percent, is saline water in the oceans.
Countries With the Worst Drinking Water Supply in 2022
By 2030, demand could outpace supply by 56%. Less than 1% of the world's water is usable fresh water. The AI boom is adding unprecedented pressure on resources.
7 Healthiest Water to Drink
Denmark is ranked as the cleanest and most environmentally friendly country in the world, thanks to its strong focus on renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable urban planning. With extensive wind power usage and eco-friendly policies, it sets a global example for environmental conservation.
Estonia tops the list of nations with the best tap water, with its capital city, Tallinn, taking its supply from Lake Ülemiste. Estonia's water treatment processes mean that the supply remains among the purest in the world, despite a plane crashing into the lake in 2010 and leaking over a ton of fuel.
Tap water doesn't technically expire, but the safety window is short. While chlorine or chloramine is added during treatment to kill microbes, this protective effect fades after just a few days. Depending on where and how it's stored, tap water can pick up new risks.
And, of the total freshwater, over 68 percent is locked up in ice and glaciers. Another 30 percent of freshwater is in the ground. Fresh surface-water sources, such as rivers and lakes, only constitute about 22,300 cubic miles (93,100 cubic kilometers), which is about 1/150th of one percent of total water.
1 spot in the world for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach in Greece. Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.
The Indian Ocean has the warmest surface temperature of all the world¹s oceans, as most of it is found in the tropics.
No, unopened bottled water does not technically expire, but over time, its flavor and quality may degrade due to exposure to heat or light. For long-term storage, avoid areas with high temperatures or direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
The Top 5 Best Tasting Waters
Glass Water Bottles - The Top Pick
Glass water bottles are the top choice to reduce exposure. While they're heavier and - of course - breakable, the toxic exposure risk is simply much lower than both BPA-free plastic and stainless steel.
Countries With the Safest Tap Water
Australia's "cleanest" water varies by category, with Tasmania (TasWater) often winning national tap water awards, Melbourne renowned for its pristine catchment-fed water, Queensland's Isaac Region (Glenden) taking recent national taste titles, and natural spots like K'gari (Fraser Island's Eli Creek) offering incredibly clear freshwater streams, while brands like Beloka offer naturally filtered mineral water.
As the driest inhabited continent in the world, Australia has unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to water. Water is one of our most important resources and we must make sure it is sustainable, reliable, and resilient to drought and a changing climate.
Today, the Maldives has a population of around 540,000 people. If levels continue rising, it means that in just 2 generations the country will be almost completely submerged underwater and uninhabitable. Another country in danger of disappearance is Kiribati.
Boiling seawater will remove some impurities, including salt, but it does not make the water safe for drinking. The process of boiling seawater results in the separation of water vapor from the dissolved salts and other contaminants, leaving behind the salts as residue.
Large data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons per day, equivalent to the water use of a town populated by 10,000 to 50,000 people. With larger and new AI-focused data centers, water consumption is increasing alongside energy usage and carbon emissions.