Can I drink tap water in Spain and the rest of Europe if I am from the US?

Question

Can I drink tap water in Spain and the rest of Europe if I am from the US?

Answer 1

Surely it must depend on the individuals immune system!

Answer 2

It depends the city or region where you are. Water in Madrid, for example, is great but I wouldn't drink tap water in Malaga. The reason is just the taste. In some regions (mostly small villages) there are restrictions because of the draught so the water quality is poor. The situation in the rest of EU is more or less the same. Southern countries has the same issues but Northern have more water resources. Yet, it depends on the city.

I've spent the last 2 months in the States and I've found that tap water in Las Vegas, for example, has a horrible taste but in San Diego they had a great tap water!

This is funny 'cause I had the same concern before coming to USA. I've drunk tap water in Tunisia and Moscow and I'm still here!

If you are still not sure just buy bottled water in supermarkets. 1,5 liters costs around 0,5$ depending on the brand. I assure you spanish bottled water is way much better than in the USA

Answer 3

European water is generally safe

Answer 4

Tap water in Europe is generally safe to drink. However, because your body is simply not accustomed to the local bacteria, it is recommended that you purchase bottled or filtered water.

Tap water in the US is not any better, it's just that our bodies are immune to it.

Answer 5

Americans are allowed to drink tap water most places in Europe.

Answer 6

I am from the UK and we drink bottled water when we travel to any other European country apart from Ireland.  UK tap water is completely safe as it is has to meet strict standards and water companies charge us quite alot for the service - this is not the case in mainland europe and you should also avoid ice in drinks -boiling it on the other hand will make it safe if you want to make a coffee etc..

Answer 7

It is advised not to drink tap water in Spain, especially the big cities. Same for other European countries as Italy and France f.i.

No offense meant by that because it is not unsafe to drink it. It is just often better to drink bottles of water. They are cheap and you can buy them everywhere. It is water from the mountains, much better taste and better for your health as well.

Answer 8

I live in Coin, inland from Malaga & Marbella. We buy bottled water for the main drinking water, but the odd glass from the tap isn't a problem. We had our water supply cut the other week & the water was a bit cloudy when it came back on, so avoided drinking it then.

Answer 9

Tap water in Madrid is great (one reason they put the capital there in 16th C was because of the good water).  Probably OK in most cities, but I heard you have to be careful in some areas of the coast.

Answer 10

Why not.... its the individual's immune system!

If you have a weak immune, anything can be a potential to make you sick!

Answer 11

ask the locals once you get there, madrid's water is good, but spain is dry right now so just ask the people who live there

Answer 12

I traveled mostly to European States for business and some pleasure as well but I never tried to drink from the tap water... I suggest that you don't for all the reasons concerning health.