In August 2019, international water quality standards reported that at least 99.5% of all public tap water in major cities in Spain like Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, etc. is safe to drink. Drinking tap water served in cups or glasses in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and clubs in Valencia is one of the ways to cut costs during your stay in Valencia. There is no point buying bottled waters when the tap water is potable and healthy. This article will do justice to some of the questions people frequently raise regarding drinking tap water in Valencia.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Valencia?
In most cities in Spain notably, Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid’s water quality are checked from time to time to see if it meets water regulation standards set by the government. Every local water provider is mandated to report certified lab tests every 6 months. The tests are much more robust than those done on bottled water. This explains why it’s claimed that tap water or filtered tap water is safer and healthier than bottled water in Valencia.
Read also: Can You Walk Around Savannah at Night?
So, it’s safe to drink tap water in Valencia. Many restaurants, clubs, and hotels in Valencia have tap waters that you can safely drink from. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for tap water in these places. Some people buy bottled waters based on their preference or taste. You can even use the tap water in Valencia for cleaning your teeth, boiling for coffee and tea, and even for cooking.
Do not go as far as drinking water from lakes or rivers as these may bring about viruses or bacteria causing vomiting or diarrhea. Given the likelihood of contaminated pipes in remote areas in Valencia, it’s advisable to steer clear of tap waters and get bottled waters especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Read also: Can You Drink Tap Water in Barcelona?
Do I need Water Filter for Tap Water in Valencia?
When traveling to remote places in Valencia, you might be faced with issues like odor, chlorine by-products, taste, local pipe contaminants, and microplastics. Well, these reasons are not strong enough to discourage you from drinking the tap water. In this case, you can get water filters that help you remove unpleasant odors and tastes from tap water, including chlorine.
It also helps you filter out contaminants such as lead, microplastics, and pesticides from the water. Faucet water filters like TAPP are the best water filters out there. They are easy to carry around in your travel bags. You can even take it to your home country if you don’t plan to stay permanently in Spain.
If you are on a low-budget vacation, a water filter will save you the cost of buying bottled waters. On average, Spanish households spend €320 on bottled water a year. But a typical water filter can save you about €260.
Read also: Is it Safe to Walk the Camino de Santiago Alone?
Is Bottled Water Healthier Than Tap Water?
There is no scientific evidence that bottled water is healthier or safer than tap water in Valencia. Some tourists prefer bottled water because they are not comfortable with the taste of tap water. Therefore, the main reason why people drink bottled water is their taste preference or their fear of getting sick from bacteria and viruses in tap water. While you may want to play safe by buying bottled waters in remote areas, using a water filter is cost-effective.
Also, high bottled water consumption hurts the environment. This has brought about huge issues relating to plastic pollution, as only about 30% of the bottles get recycled. The remaining plastics end up in landfills and incineration plants. So, sticking to tap water is a great way not only to save your money but also the planet at large. You can ask for a glass or jug of water in a restaurant, hotel, or club in Valencia.
Read also: Can You Drink Tap Water in Denver?
