Can You Drink Tap Water in Spain? Guide for Expats and Tourists

Water is the source of life and the key to abundant, robust health. When the water we drink is free from contaminants, it supports both our physical and mental wellbeing, and around 60% of the human body is composed of water, with every vital organ and system dependent on it to function correctly.

When people emigrate to Spain or come here for holidays, they are often unsure whether the water in Spain is safe to drink, especially tap water. In most major cities, tap water is considered safe for human consumption and is perfectly safe to drink for the vast majority of visitors and residents.

In this article you will learn about:

• Whether tap water is safe to drink in Spain
• Regional differences in water quality and taste
• Microplastics and other potential contaminants
• Bottled water in Spain
• Water filters as an alternative
• City‑specific FAQs (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga and more)

Is Tap Water in Spain Safe to Drink?

The water you drink can be considered good quality when it is clean and healthy, but when it contains pathogens, microorganisms, microplastics and other contaminants it can have a negative impact on health.

For many years, Spain has had a poor reputation among visitors when it comes to the quality of its tap water, partly due to older infrastructure and the way water tastes in some regions.

Many Spaniards prefer bottled water because they feel it tastes better, and in many regions the tap water has a strong chlorine taste. In some coastal areas, people also notice fine sand or sediment in the water; this is usually not harmful, but it does not always taste pleasant.

However, it is not just taste that has raised questions; concerns have also focused on chemical by‑products of disinfection and long‑term health risks.

Trihalomethanes and Long‑Term Risk

Some research has suggested that a proportion of Spain’s bladder cancer cases may be linked to trihalomethanes (THM), a group of chemicals formed when chlorine and other disinfectants react with organic matter during water treatment.

Although the European Union sets legal limits on THM levels in drinking water, long‑term exposure has been associated in studies with a higher risk of bladder cancer.

By contrast, official data from the Spanish health authorities indicate that roughly 99.5% of the country’s water supply is considered safe to drink, with only a very small percentage classified as inadequate for human consumption.

Supply systems are monitored and use purification and sanitary controls to preserve water quality and ensure that tap water is safe once it reaches homes.

Despite this, many people around the country still feel that there are regions where the water is not the healthiest or does not taste good, which plants seeds of doubt in people’s minds.

This is why so many travellers ask questions such as “is tap water safe to drink in Spain?” or “why can’t you drink the water in Spain?”, even when local supplies meet legal standards.

How Spain’s Tap Water Systems Improved

Before Spain joined the European Union in 1986, the country was still recovering from the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and relatively little money had been invested into infrastructure, including water supplies.

From 1986 onwards, Spain received substantial EU funding to improve roads, sanitation and water treatment, allowing major upgrades to water filtration and management systems.

Many Spanish regions now enjoy excellent tap water, while others still have more limited regulation, filtration and quality testing, so how your water tastes can depend heavily on where you live or visit.

In popular tourist areas such as Alicante, Malaga, Cadiz and Barcelona, you may still hear people recommending bottled water rather than using the mains supply because of taste, not because the water is officially unsafe.

Why Does Tap Water Taste Different Across Spain?

In many areas, tap water in Spain is safe to drink but has a noticeable taste or smell.

• Higher levels of chlorine added to kill pathogens
• Minerals picked up from local geology
• Slight sediment in some coastal or rural areas

In some Spanish cities you will find great tasting tap water with soft water and relatively low mineral content, while coastal areas may have harder water and a more unpleasant taste or strong chlorine taste.

Some people find that mineral‑rich supplies can upset their stomachs, so they choose bottled water or filters instead.

Officially, the tap water is considered safe, but this does not mean it always tastes pleasant or that everyone will tolerate it equally well.

For many expats, regional differences in taste are just as important as formal safety tests when deciding what to drink every day.

Microplastics and Other Contaminants in Drinking Water

In recent years, attention has turned to microplastics in drinking water.

Millions of tons of plastic are dumped into oceans and rivers each year, gradually breaking down into tiny particles that can enter the public water supply and contaminate drinking water.

Studies have detected microplastics in a large proportion of water samples worldwide, including in European supplies.

The long‑term health impacts of consuming microplastics are still not fully understood, but most people understandably want to minimise their exposure.

Concerns about microplastics are another reason why many people in Spain now choose to use a filter system at home or rely on bottled water, despite the environmental and financial costs.

For expats, understanding how local water is treated and what it contains can help when deciding whether to use the supply straight from the tap, filter water or opt mainly for bottles.

Bottled Water in Spain

Bottled water consumption in Spain has increased steadily over recent decades, and millions of litres are now sold each year.

This growth reflects both taste preferences and lingering doubts about water quality in some regions.

In the 1960s, mineral water was largely sold in glass bottles, but today most bottled water in Spain comes in plastic bottles.

With only a fraction of plastic bottles being recycled, the packaging used to distribute drinking water contributes to plastic waste and, ultimately, to microplastic particles entering the environment.

The most common types of bottled water in Spain are “agua con gas” (sparkling) and “agua sin gas” (still), with the vast majority of Spaniards choosing still mineral water.

A wide range of regional brands is available, and some areas, such as Madrid, have relatively low bottled‑water consumption because the local mains supply is seen as some of Spain’s best water.

Is Bottled Water Safer Than Tap Water in Spain?

There is no clear scientific consensus that bottled water in Spain is safer than tap water, and many people choose it primarily for taste reasons.

However, bottled water is not completely risk free; rare contamination incidents in the past have shown that problems can occur at the source or during bottling.

At the same time, drinking bottled water every day has an environmental cost due to plastic production, transport and waste.

For many expats, this pushes the decision towards combining tap water with filtration rather than relying entirely on plastic bottles.

Water Filters in Spain

If you prefer not to carry heavy bottles or generate extra plastic waste, a domestic water filter can be a practical solution.

Tap‑mounted filters, jugs and under‑sink systems can improve taste by reducing chlorine, odour and some contaminants such as microplastics, certain metals and pesticides.

Filter systems usually have an upfront or subscription cost, but over a year they can be cheaper than buying bottled water every week, especially for families.

They also reduce reliance on single‑use plastic, making them an attractive option for people who want better tasting water while limiting environmental impact and health risks.

Several companies specialise in water filters for Spanish households and provide guidance based on local water quality reports.

For expats, a filter offers a middle ground: using the existing water infrastructure while feeling more confident about taste and purity.

Tap vs Bottled: Which Should You Drink in Spain?

There is no definitive proof that either bottled or tap water in Spain is always better for your health; the right choice often depends on local conditions and personal preference.

In regions where the mains supply has a strong chlorine taste or high mineral content, some people prefer bottled water for drinking while still using the supply for cooking and brushing teeth.

Buying bottled water for everyday use can easily add up to hundreds of euros per year for a household, particularly in areas where people avoid the mains supply completely.

A more environmentally friendly and cost‑effective approach may be to use a filter jug or tap‑mounted system, which can provide better tasting water at a lower annual cost.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on factors such as local water quality reports, taste tolerance, budget and how important it is to minimise plastic waste.

Many expats end up using a mix of solutions: drinking filtered water at home, buying bottled occasionally, and always checking local advice from authorities when visiting new regions.

Practical Tips for Drinking Water in Spain

In most Spanish cities you can safely refill a reusable bottle from public drinking fountains or public fountains in parks and squares where local authorities label the water as safe to drink.

In some bars and restaurants you can also ask for a free tap water “vaso de agua” instead of automatically buying bottled, which can save money and reduce plastic waste from single‑use bottles.

If you are staying in an older building or rural area and are unsure about the supply, check with neighbours or the local town hall about recent water quality standards and any advisories.

When travelling with infants or people with very sensitive stomachs, using boiled tap water or filtered water for baby formula and hot drinks adds an extra layer of reassurance, and boiled tap water is usually recommended when making baby formula for newborns.

City‑Specific FAQs About Drinking Water in Spain

Can You Drink Tap Water in Madrid, Spain?

Yes, tap water in Madrid is considered safe to drink and is often praised for its quality and taste.

Madrid’s tap water is frequently cited as some of the best tap water in Spain, which is why residents of the capital consume far less bottled water on average than people in many other regions.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Barcelona, Spain?

Yes, the mains supply in Barcelona is officially safe to drink.

However, some residents and visitors notice a stronger taste of chlorine or minerals, so many buy bottled water or use filters mainly for flavour rather than safety concerns.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Malaga, Spain?

The public supply in Malaga is considered safe to drink, although it may not taste as pleasant as some mineral waters.

If you dislike the taste, using a simple filter jug can improve it without relying solely on plastic bottles.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Valencia, Seville, Granada and Other Cities?

In most major cities, the mains supply meets legal safety standards and is considered safe to drink.

Taste varies from city to city depending on local water sources and treatment methods, so some expats in places like Valencia, Seville or Granada still prefer filters or bottled water for everyday use.

Can You Drink the Water in Spain if It Is Boiled?

Boiling the mains supply kills most microorganisms and is often recommended when preparing baby formula or when someone has a very sensitive stomach.

However, boiling does not remove chemicals like chlorine or minerals, so taste may still be an issue even if safety is not.

Can Babies Drink Tap Water in Spain?

When adding water to baby formula, it is recommended to use tap or bottled water that has been boiled first and then cooled.

For infants drinking water directly, boiling and cooling the mains supply is also advisable to minimise any microbial risk.

Is It Safe to Put Ice in Drinks in Spain?

Ice in Spanish bars and restaurants is typically made from mains water, so it is subject to the same safety standards as the water used for drinks.

If you are comfortable using the local supply, you can usually assume that ice made locally is also safe.

Can You Brush Your Teeth with Spanish Tap Water?

Yes, the mains supply in Spain is generally safe to use when brushing your teeth, and most residents and visitors do so without problems.

If you prefer, you can use bottled or filtered water, but this is usually a matter of personal comfort rather than necessity.

How Much Water Should You Drink in Spain?

Most guidelines suggest that adults should stay hydrated by drinking around two litres of water per day, which equates to roughly four to eight standard glasses.

The amount you personally need can vary depending on how hot it is, your level of physical activity, your diet and any medical conditions.

In hotter parts of Spain, or during summer months when temperatures are high, you may need to drink more than this to replace fluid lost through sweat.

Listening to your body, monitoring urine colour and adjusting intake when exercising are simple ways to ensure you stay properly hydrated.

Health Peace of Mind for Expats Concerned About Water Quality

Digestive issues from unfamiliar water sources are common for new arrivals in any country, including Spain, especially during the first few weeks of adjustment.

Having comprehensive private health cover can provide peace of mind, with fast access to doctors, diagnostic tests and treatment if you develop stomach upsets or other health concerns.

Private health insurance plans for expats in Spain are designed for singles, couples and families who want clear information in English and access to private clinics and hospitals.

If you are worried about local water quality or simply want to know you can see a doctor quickly if you become unwell, a good private policy can be an important part of your overall health strategy in Spain.