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PhrasesAt the Train StationC'è dell'acqua potabile in stazione?
A2

C'è dell'acqua potabile in stazione?

Is there drinking water at the station?

Pronunciation

po-TA-bi-le — stress on second syllable. ac-QUA — the 'qu' is followed by 'a'.

When to use it

When you want to refill your water bottle before or between trains.

What it means

'Acqua potabile' (drinking water) — 'potabile' comes from the Latin 'potare' (to drink). Italian tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the country. Many Italian stations have water fountains (fontanelle), and Italy's tap water quality is among the best in Europe.

Variations

C'è una fontanella?

Is there a drinking fountain?

The classic Italian public water fountain — metal, with a constant stream

L'acqua del rubinetto è buona qui?

Is the tap water good here?

Italian tap water is generally excellent and safe

Dove posso riempire la bottiglia?

Where can I refill my bottle?

Eco-friendly alternative to buying bottled water

Mini Dialogue

— C'è dell'acqua potabile in stazione? — Sì, c'è una fontanella vicino all'uscita principale. — È buona? — Sì, è acqua dell'acquedotto — fresca e buona.

— Is there drinking water at the station? — Yes, there is a drinking fountain near the main exit. — Is it good? — Yes, it's mains water — fresh and good.

Cultural Note

Italy has thousands of public drinking fountains (fontanelle or nasoni in Rome). The water is drawn directly from the municipal supply (acquedotto) and is tested regularly. Italian mineral water culture is strong, but tap water is legally and gastronomically excellent. Refilling a bottle is both eco-friendly and economical.