Safe
Spain
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Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Barcelona?
Yes, tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, though it often has a noticeable chlorine or mineral taste since part of the supply comes from a desalination plant and the Ter and Llobregat Rivers.
Hardness
Moderate to hard
Country
Spain
Rating
Safe
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
Aigües de Barcelona blends water from the Ter and Llobregat Rivers with output from the El Prat desalination plant, one of the largest in Europe, built to buffer against periodic drought.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. Taste and mineral content vary depending on the desalination/river blend at a given time.
Tips
- •A filter pitcher improves taste if you're sensitive to the chlorine or mineral notes
- •Ask for "agua del grifo" at restaurants to get free tap water
- •Bottled water is inexpensive if you prefer it
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data