Is Tap Water in Spain Safe to Drink?
Yes, 99.5% of tap water in Spain is considered safe for consumption and meets all quality standards set by the European Union.
However, this hasn’t always been the case. Over the past few decades, many Spaniards have switched from drinking tap water to bottled water. This shift was fueled by various myths surrounding tap water and its potential health risks, most of which are unfounded today.
Tap Water in Spain
Before Spain joined the EU in 1986, investment in public water infrastructure was limited. Some cities, like Madrid, had high-quality tap water, while others lacked proper filtration and monitoring systems. This is why many people still advise against drinking tap water in coastal areas such as Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, or Cádiz.
Another reason is that tourists visiting Spain in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s typically avoided tap water. As Spanish citizens’ purchasing power increased, they also began opting for bottled water.
Between 1986 and 2008, however, Spain received €21 billion in EU funding for water infrastructure. Today, Spain has some of the most advanced filtration and wastewater management systems in the world.
Best Tap Water in Spain
- Burgos: Ranked #1 according to an OCU study, Burgos tap water is low in minerals, has very little limescale, and contains no contaminants.
- San Sebastián: With excellent hygiene parameters, San Sebastián’s tap water is also low in mineral content, giving it a great taste.
- Gran Canaria: Despite relying on desalination, the island’s tap water is of high quality.
Worst Tap Water in Spain
- Ciudad Real: Considered the city with the worst tap water, Ciudad Real recently experienced a case where trihalomethane levels were near the legal limit.
- Palma de Mallorca: Unlike Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Palma has low-quality tap water with poor hygiene and sanitation standards.
- Barcelona: Although tap water in Barcelona is potable, it is often rated among the worst in Spain due to its unpleasant taste, which is caused by high chlorine, salt, and limescale levels.
Tap Water Quality in Your Area
All EU water companies must provide public information on water quality. Each local supplier must report certified lab tests every six months, generating over 40 million reports per year.
To check the source of your water, the latest test date, and the results, you can consult Spain’s National Drinking Water Information System (SINAC) under the Ministry of Health, Social Services, and Equality.
Who Regulates Drinking Water in Spain?
In Spain, drinking water—whether from public supply or other sources—must comply with the EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). Each EU member state is responsible for translating the directive’s requirements into local legislation, which must meet or exceed EU standards.
In Spain, this is implemented through Royal Decree 140/2003, which sets legal and health criteria for drinking water quality. Both EU and Spanish regulations are based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, which are regularly updated to reflect the latest scientific knowledge.
How to Test Your Tap Water in Spain
Even if your local water supplier provides safe drinking water, contamination can still occur due to old pipes or leaks. If you suspect an issue, testing your tap water may be a good idea.
There are many public and private laboratories for water quality control in Spain. The Ministry has created an official registry of accredited water testing labs, which can be found on their website. However, it’s recommended that you first request a water quality report from your local supplier.
Summary
- You can safely drink tap water in Spain unless a public alert is issued by your water provider.
- Spanish tap water is generally high quality, but in some areas, its taste and smell can be unpleasant due to chlorine.
- Some regions have old pipes or contamination risks, or the water source is unsuitable for drinking, requiring filtration.
- Affordable and effective filtration options like activated carbon can remove chlorine and other unwanted substances, improving taste.
- If you don’t like your tap water’s taste or are concerned about your home’s pipes, you can use a water filter like EcoPro.
Find our home water filters on Amazon or at any of our physical retail locations. Check the list here.
