Tap water in Spain

Generally safe to drink

The WHO and UNICEF put safely managed drinking water within reach of 98% of people in Spain. National figures describe a country, not the tap in front of you.

What the sources say

WHO / UNICEF JMP

98% of the population has safely managed drinking water, meaning it is free from contamination at the point of use.

US CDC Travelers' Health

Advises travellers that tap water is generally safe to drink in Spain.

Numbeo

67.64/100 on the water drinkability and accessibility index, which Numbeo reads as “High”. This one is crowdsourced from residents rather than measured.

European Union

As an EU member state, Spain is bound by the Drinking Water Directive, which sets minimum quality standards and requires regular testing by suppliers.

Lonely Planet

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Spain, although there are exceptions (Ibiza among them). If you are in any doubt, ask, ¿Es potable el agua (del grifo)? (Is the (tap) water drinkable?). Do not drink water from rivers or lakes as it may contain bacteria or viruses that can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.

Safe nationally still means ask locally. Older buildings can carry lead or copper pipework, and a single street can differ from the network feeding it. If you are staying somewhere old, ask your host.

What bottled water costs you here

Drinking tap water instead of bottled would save one adult about 482$ a year in Spain, and keep several hundred plastic bottles out of circulation.

Work out your own saving

Places in Spain

Water quality is local. These places have their own readings.

Elsewhere in Europe