Can you drink tap water in Spain?

WATER is vital for our physical and mental well-being.

But drinking water across many parts of the world can be dangerous, but what about Spain?

Can you drink tap water in Spain?

When people visit or emigrate to Spain, they often wonder if the tap water is safe to drink.

Many years ago, some parts of Spain had a reputation for poor water quality, with the taste varying in different locations in the country.

But today Spain is home to one the most advanced public water filtration and wastewater management systems in the world.

It is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Spain, according to international water quality standards, but some prefer the taste of bottled water.

Water companies must provide frequent reports on the quality of their product and alert their customers of any issues.

Therefore there is minimal risk of getting sick from bacteria in water from the tap, public drinking fountains, or restaurants. 

How do you ask for tap water in Spain?

Drinking tap water is not uncommon in Spain, with many finding it an affordable and environmentally-friendly option.

When dining out in Spain, to order bottled water you need to ask for “Aigua de l’aixeta” – but be aware you’ll have to pay for it.

To order tap water, specify you’d like “Un vaso de agua” (a glass of water) or “Agua de grifo” (tap water) in the restaurant menu.

Can you get free tap water in Spain?

Those dining out in restaurants in Spain can take advantage of a change in legislation by the government.

In April 2022, the government changed the laws to make all bars and restaurants offer free tap water to their customers.

It was done under the Law on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy, in an attempt to reduce the number of single-use plastics sold in Spain.

The regulation says: “In order to reduce the consumption of single-use containers, public administrations will promote the consumption of drinking water in their offices and other public spaces, through the use of sources in conditions that guarantee hygiene and food safety or the use of reusable containers, among others, without prejudice to the fact that marketing in single-use containers is allowed in health centres.

Local authorities must also provide ample public drinking spaces like water fountains in order to help the environment.