Tap water consumption choices in out-of-home settings: insights from a survey of German adults

Abstract

European water policies aim to promote tap water consumption among citizens. Our survey of 5815 German respondents investigates factors influencing tap water consumption in key out-of-home settings: workplace, recreational sports, hospitality and travel. Results show tap water is consumed most frequently in sports settings and least in hospitality, highlighting the importance of situational factors over price. Strong correlations between at-home and out-of-home drinking water choices suggest stable preferences and habit effects. Policy interventions should focus on encouraging tap water consumption at home, offering carbonation options out-of-home, and shifting norms and industry discourse in hospitality settings.