As temperatures rise in the Finnish capital, Helsinki public water taps are quietly becoming the go-to solution for residents looking to stay cool without spending a cent. These simple but effective taps are scattered all over the city, and this summer, more people are beginning to appreciate them.
Helsinki Region Environmental Services, also known as HSY, is behind the system. They maintain 67 taps throughout the capital region. In Finnish, they’re called “vesiposti,” and they deliver cold, drinkable water straight from the municipal line. No bottles needed, no apps, no coins. Just clean water, freely available.
One of the most used taps is in Fredrikintori, right in the heart of central Helsinki. Olli Leppanen, who works nearby, comes every day with a container in hand.
“I like the taste,” he says. “It feels cleaner. I guess it has something to do with not sitting in metal pipes for too long. It feels fresh.”
He started using it in the spring and kept the routine going even during colder days. There were a few hiccups with pressure in winter, but HSY was quick to fix them.
Leppanen is not the only one stopping by. That same tap is now part of the daily routine for local dogs. Niko Lipsanen brings Anni, a dog he’s taking care of, to the same spot.
“She drinks from it every time. It’s become our routine,” Niko said. “I haven’t tried it myself, but she sure likes it.”
Not everyone had an easy start. Barbara and Vivian Castilla, who moved from Rome, said they were familiar with public taps, but the water pressure here caught them off guard. Their small dog, Simon, found it a bit too strong.
“We’ll bring a bottle next time,” Barbara said. “It’s honestly great. In Rome, we had this. But finding this in Helsinki was a surprise. No need to buy bottled water.”
Some hesitated before trying. Sonja Jusi said she avoided the taps at first because the handles used to be stiff. But recent updates have changed her view.
“I was surprised. The taps are smoother now. A lot easier to use than before,” she said.
To make it even easier, HSY has an online map. It shows every working tap, marked clearly with blue dots. And if your neighborhood doesn’t have one, you can vote online for where the next tap should be added.
In a city known for its clean design and smart services, Helsinki public water taps might just be one of the most underrated perks of summer life here.
