Is the tap water in Malaga safe to drink? Where does it come from? What are possible risks and contaminants? What is the best water filter for Malaga and Marbella?
In this article we will answer all of these questions about drinking water in the Malaga province. We also provide a comparison between tap and other sources of drinking water and why you may need a water filter.
Tap water in Málaga and Marbella
Generally the tap water in the Malaga province doesn't taste very good due to it's hardness and high mineral content. Therefore over 70% of the population choose to drink bottled water or use a water filter.
Is tap water in Malaga safe to drink?
According to Spanish, EU and WHO standards the public tap water is safe to drink. Unfortunatley it's difficult to improve the taste as only 1% of the tap water is used for drinking. Reducing the mineral and chlorine content that causes the bad taste requires huge investments. Furthermore the minerals like calcium, magnsium, potassium and bicarbonate are essential to human health and shouldn't be removed. There is no scientific evidence that bottled water is healthier than tap water.
Malaga’s tap water which is of high quality comes from two sources. During most of the year it comes from reservoirs but in the summer and during droughts, this is complemented by desalinated water. Both sources provide safe drinking water, although desalinated water may taste more chlorinated than usual.
The water is tested every day according to strict international water quality standards, and results are published by the local water company Emasa. Find more information about how to read the water quality report here.
If you dislike the taste or worry about contaminants (see below) then try a high quality water filter such as EcoPro by TAPP Water for clean tasty tap water. Not only does it improve the taste of tap but it also makes a big difference for tea and coffee lovers and removes most of the limescale.
What are the potential issues with tap water in Malaga?
The main concerns about tap water in Malaga are potential unregulated microplastics and corrosion from old / poorly maintained pipes. Other issues could be chlorine by-products (THMs in particular) and nitrate which is particularly bad for infants and young children.
To check the water quality where you live enter your post code in the water quality database|.
Water fountains in Malaga
Generally the water fountains in Malaga offer drinkable drinking water. The government is obliged to inform citizens if the water is not drinkable. Fill up your own bottle. This is an environmentally friendly alternative and it's free!
Fountain water is unfiltered so may not taste very good.
Bottled water in Malaga
Bottled water is cheap and usually comes from local sources such as the Sierras. Unfortunately there are also a lot of international water brands being brought in with a much greater carbon footprint.
The local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) frequently reminds us that all the municipal water is drinking water, and says that it costs them too much to dispose/recycle plastic bottles. Therefore they would prefer us to drink tap water.
Malaga has a good recycling system but many people and public places like restaurants don't recycle adequately. Therefore most plastic ends up in landfills and consequently in the groundwater, rivers and the oceans as micro plastic pollution.
Avoid bottled water if you can but if you must then choose reusable glass bottles.
What is the best water filter for Málaga or Marbella?
Thinking about buying a water filter in Málaga? What is the best water filter?
There are lots of choices available today ranging from pitchers and faucet filters that don't require a plumber to under the sink and wholehouse filters.
Generally what you need for the Malaga province is a high quality point of use water filter that will remove common contaminants and chlorine. The result is clean great tasting water.
Both pitchers and faucet filters are a good choice for great tasting water. Faucet filters in particular are very efficient for Malaga water. Avoid the expensive and water wasting reverse osmosis filters. You simply don't need one.
EcoPro by TAPP Water has been especially designed for tap water in Spain and will cost you less than €5 per month. The 45 money back warranty allows you to test the product and if you don't like it just send it back.
Where can you buy TAPP Water products in Malaga?
Buy online on this website, on Amazon or visit Veganized on Calle Fernán González, 3 in Malaga.
How does EcoPro by TAPP Water compare to other water filters?
Read about how TAPP compares to Brita and other water filters.
In summary
- Tourists and residents can safely drink the local tap water throughout Malaga as long as it's from public water sources.
- If you don't like the taste of the tap water in Malaga or worry about contaminants then try out a water filter such as EcoPro by TAPP Water.
- Avoid consuming plastic bottled water as it pollutes the local environment and oceans and it's not healthier than tap water.
- Help saving the future supply of water in Andalusia by reducing water consumption.
- Finally, get a refillable water bottle and fill it up from your home or fountains instead of buying bottled water.
Sources
http://www.diariosur.es/malaga-capital/201510/16/consejo-extra-experto-mejor-20151016111200-v.html
http://www.abc.es/sociedad/abci-beber-botella-o-grifo-calidad-agua-debate-201608152133_noticia.html
Don't like the taste of tap water or worried about contaminants? We tested over 30 water filter before launching TAPP in Malaga. Read more about why in this article.