Can I Drink Tap Water in Madrid?
Safe
Quick Answer
Madrid's tap water is safe to drink and exceeds EU standards. Over 96% of residents drink tap water daily with confidence.
Madrid has excellent tap water quality managed by Canal de Isabel II, which supplies 6.6 million residents in the Madrid Region. The water comes from pristine sources in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, stored in 13 reservoirs. Rigorous daily monitoring includes over 9 million quality analyses annually. The treatment process includes pre-oxidation, coagulation, flocculation, settling, filtration, neutralization, and disinfection. All standards exceed EU requirements.
Water Quality Details
Canal de Isabel II operates one of Spain's most advanced water systems with water sources located in granite areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama, which naturally filters the water and maintains low salinity levels. The company employs strict drinking water monitoring programs at every stage: from origin in reservoirs and rivers, through treatment plants, along the distribution network, until delivery to consumers. The high mineral content gives Madrid water a distinctive taste but poses no safety concerns. The Santillana reservoir serves as a primary freshwater source for the capital.
Water sourceSurface water
TreatmentChlorination, Filtration, Flocculation, Ozonation
HardnessModerate
Practical Tips
- Tap water is completely safe for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth
- The slightly high mineral content may cause mild digestive adjustments for some tourists, but this is normal and not a health concern
- Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it
- Fill reusable bottles at your accommodation - local infrastructure supports this practice
- The water has won blind tasting tests for best tap water in Spain
Traveler Advice
Risk level: low
Diarrhea risk: low
Tourists can confidently drink Madrid's tap water without concern. The quality is excellent and comparable to the safest water systems in Europe. Stay hydrated using tap water to reduce plastic waste.
Sources & References
official_report
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Data confidence: medium
Last updated: 2026-02-22
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