Can You Drink Tap Water in Spain?

Whether you’re travelling or planning to move to Spain, you might have questions such as “Can you drink tap water in Spain?” or “Is it safe to drink tap water in Spain?”

It’s completely normal to ask yourself these questions as the quality of water across Europe and the rest of the world is different.

The short answer is yes, you can drink tap water in Spain, and it is safe to do so, but I personally don’t like tap water because, depending on the area you visit or live in, the tap water has a unique odour or taste.

This blog will answer all your questions about drinking water in Spain so you can make your decision.

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Can you drink tap water in Spain? An overview

Yes, you can drink tap water in Spain, the quality of water is one of the best in Europe, and you can drink water without any problems from the tap at home or restaurants and public drinking fountains.

According to the Ministerio de Sanidad (Spain’s Ministry of Health), 99.5% of the water supplied is safe to drink.

So, in theory, it is safe to drink tap water, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so unless it has been filtered. Unfilter water can contain microplastics, no matter how good tap water is in a country.

Although tap water is safe to drink in Spain, this hasn’t always been the case. 

Before Spain joined the European Union, the country didn’t have a sound water system, and therefore, the quality of water wasn’t ideal for drinking. Madrid was the only city that had a better water system. 

However, the Spanish government invested a lot of money in developing good water infrastructures in 1985, and policies and regulations regarding water supply and sanitation were set. Nowadays, Spain has one of the best-filtered systems in Europe. 

Tap water is safe, and all the Spanish water companies must be transparent about the quality of the water, conduct tests and report back to the EU. 

The odour and taste of tap water vary from city to city due to the supply from different water companies. 

This is also because of chlorine, a substance that is added to water to make sure it is clean and safe to drink.

Many reports confirm that the presence of chlorine in the water isn’t harmful for human consumption, as it doesn’t affect health. However, this is why some tap water doesn’t taste nice. 

Which cities have the best tap water in Spain?

Although the water quality standards are generally good across Spain, there are destinations with better tap water.

According to several reports, you’ll find the cleanest tap water in Burgos, San Sebastián and Las Palmas. However, Madrid, Córdoba, Pontevedra and Málaga also have good drinking water.

How do you ask for tap water in Spain?

If you want to ask for tap water in Spanish, you’ll need to say “agua del grifo” (tap water).

When you order water in most restaurants, they’ll assume you’re ordering a bottle of mineral/still water, so it’s important to mention you want “agua del grifo” or sparkling water “agua con gas”.

What’s the best water filter for Spain?

If you live in Spain, you might consider installing a water filter for your home. It might be that you don’t like the taste of the water, the water quality standards in your area aren’t the highest, or you are worried about contamination.

In that case, many companies offer effective water filtration, including Aquavitae Laboratorio and TAPP Water.

Frequently asked questions about drinking tap water in Spain

Conclusion: Is it safe to drink tap water in Spain?

So, can you drink tap water in Spain? Yes, it’s safe to drink tap water in Spain, as water companies undergo strict checks to ensure it’s safe for people to consume.

Not only will you reduce plastic use, but you will also spend less on water. I, and anyone I know in Spain, have never had gastrointestinal problems from drinking tap water.

Whether you plan a trip to Spain or live in Spain, I highly recommend LifeStraw, a refillable water bottle with advanced water filtration. The water bottle has been rigorously tested and is sustainable.

Summers in Spain are arid and warm, so it’s crucial that you stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.