Tap water in Ibiza: Generally if you think bottled water is healthier than tap water then you've bought into one of the biggest marketing scams in history. Many people choose bottled water due to taste preference. If you don't like the taste of tap water, try an affordable water filter such as
TAPP 2 Twist.
However, for Ibiza this is a bit more complicated.
Tap water in Ibiza
Ibiza's drinking water primarily comes from two sources. Originally mainly underground lakes, sometimes known as aquifers and secondly desalination due to increase of tourism and overuse of the aquifers.
The aquifers used to be a great source of clean tap water throughout the island. Unfortunately this has changed in recent years as many of them have been depleted and contaminated with salt water due to overuse. Therefore these may be unsafe to drink from for extended period of times.
Desalinated water on the other hand is of a high quality as the water is filtered and tested according to international water quality standards. It may taste more chlorinated than usual. Ibiza town, San Antonio and Santa Eulalia all use desalinated water.
For the desalinated water you may want to use an activated carbon filter like TAPP 2 Twist for better taste. In case of contaminated water, use a more expensive water filter. See the water filter guide. Avoid reverse osmosis if you can due to water wastage.
Get a refillable water bottle and fill it up from your home or fountains instead of buying bottled water.
Where can I buy a water filter for Ibiza?
TAPP Water filters are available to buy through this website, Amazon and our local retail partners in Ibiza.
If you are interested in buying larger volumes of filters or becoming a reseller in the Canary Islands then please visit miaguasostenible.com
Filtered water refill taps
There are three coin operated self-service water fountains on the island. These are in San Josep, Sant Rafael and outside Santa Eulalia (open map). The water costs 1€ per 19 liter and you bring your own refillable bottles. This is an environmentally friendly alternative and cheaper than bottled water.
Bottled water
Bottled water is imported to Ibiza from all over the world bringing in a huge amount of plastic to the island. Although Ibiza has a great recycling system, less than 20% of plastic bottles get recycled, and this mostly gets shipped to Mallorca where it's burned for energy. In addition to this, a lot for the plastic ends up in the sea and on beaches and leaches into the groundwater and aquifers.
If you have to drink bottled water then choose glass bottles to reduce your environmental footprint.
Tap water in Ibiza - In summary
- Tourists can safely drink the desalinated water and probably most other tap water for short periods but should follow local recommendations elsewhere as tap water from aquifers may be contaminated.
- Locals can safely drink desalinated water but may want to filter it for taste. Avoid long term consumption of water from wells unless frequently tested.
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For better taste buy an affordable and environmentally friendly water filter, like TAPP 2 Twist.
- Avoid consuming plastic bottled water as it pollutes the island and surroundings.
- Help saving the future of the island by reducing water consumption.
Main sources
http://www.ibizaexpats.com/ibiza-drinking-water/
http://www.ibizapreservationfund.org/green-info/water/
