Water is a vital resource that affects our quality of life and is even monitored by the OECD Better Living Index.

What's more, clean water is also a major factor in cleaning the environment. However, in the modern world, there can be many problems with tap water - even in many advanced economies.

Below are some of the countries with the best water quality in the world.

1. Switzerland

Switzerland is a mountainous country, with the Alps spanning more than two-thirds of the country's territory and 48 peaks exceeding 13,000 feet (4,000 m).

The mountainous topography and the high annual rainfall (1,431 mm on average) and the natural replenishment of the groundwater supply are major factors in the excellent water quality. Drinking water in Switzerland is of the same quality as mineral water.

The water is so clean, half the water from the Swiss taps is not treated in any way, so there is no chemical aftertaste.

This is because 40% of drinking water comes from natural springs, another 40% from pure groundwater, and the remaining 20% from pristine lakes.

2. Iceland

Iceland often referred to as the "Land of Fire and Ice," is an island in the harsh waters of the North Atlantic and home to the largest glaciers in Europe. Vatnajökull Glacier spans an area of 8,100 square kilometers and covers about 8% of Iceland's territory.

Vatnajokull and other smaller glaciers scattered across the island affect water quality and distribution.

The geography of the island shapes the climate, making it very rainy. Iceland averages at least 15 days of rain or snow every month.

Such high precipitation results in excellent groundwater quality in Iceland. Up to 95% of Iceland's drinking water comes from the island's rich underground reservoirs, which are completely safe to drink without any treatment and are the best source of drinking water for Icelanders.

3. United Kingdom

Sudden weather changes in the UK with rain or freezing quickly replace perfect sunshine, especially in late autumn and winter, when some areas (generally mountainous in the North West - Scottish Highlands and Lake District) will experience a lot of precipitation.

The country is rich in water resources, obtaining drinking water from 1,947 underground reservoirs and 338 surface water bodies (5).

But it's not the water supply that ensures the best tap water quality in the country, it's a comprehensive testing and monitoring program that ensures the quality of drinking water.

The United Kingdom has strict water regulations. It uses a decentralized system with independent inspections of each country within the United Kingdom. Each of them produces a report every year.

4. Norway

Norway is one of the best-known countries to live in and has a long history of valuing the environment and protecting water from pollution.

This Scandinavian country has abundant rainfall, abundant surface water resources, and excellent water quality.

Five percent of Norway's land area is made up of 455,000 lakes, and another 25 percent of the landscape is covered by the four largest rivers, which are also used for hydroelectric power.

In addition, about 0.7% (total area of 2,595 square kilometers) of mainland China is covered by glaciers, and not everyone knows that the largest ice sheet located on the European continent is the Jostedalsbreen glacier found in southern Norway.

Considering how abundant surface water resources are, it is not surprising that 90% of tap water comes from surface water and less than 10% from groundwater.