Water.
Under socialism, the Polish water system suffered. As production rates took precedence, water standards, the environment and water services for citizens were neglected. Poland has struggled to bring water and waste water systems up to the EU required standard. Although the water system has improved immensely, there still remains a stigma about water in Poland.
In Krakow tap water is safe – for boiling, making tea and cooking. But in Krakow, like most places in Poland, water is not pleasant to drink straight from the tap. Traces of chlorine in tap water cause a foul taste that can only be improved with a filter or boiling. Although recent sanitary tests in certain areas have proven satisfactory, it is still advisable to purchase bottled water which is readily available in shops and kiosks.