When visiting any destination, it’s crucial to learn as much as possible about it beforehand. This helps avoid issues, surprises, and even health problems. That’s why many travellers heading to the island ask: can you drink tap water in Lanzarote?
Overview of the Water Situation in the Canary Islands
Why Water Quality Matters When Travelling
Before travelling to the Canary Islands, it’s advisable to check official websites or speak to local residents to ensure that the water supply is safe and reliable. Generally, water in this region is safe to drink, but there may be variations in quality that could cause diarrhoea, vomiting, or other health issues for those who aren’t used to it.
Additionally, the taste of tap water in the Canary Islands may differ from what you are accustomed to at home due to the treatment it undergoes to make it drinkable. As a result, some visitors prefer bottled water, which should be considered in both your budget and the environmental impact of plastic waste.
How Lanzarote’s Water Supply Works
Desalination: The Main Water Source
Lanzarote relies on desalinated seawater, which is sourced from two locations along the island’s coastline. The water undergoes a treatment process based on reverse osmosis—a purification method that removes most of the salt using impermeable membranes. This is followed by additional treatments to ensure that the water is safe for human intake.
The treated water is soft and has a low mineral content, so small amounts of chlorine are added to minimize bacterial presence. This can change the flavour of it.
Distribution and Local Regulations
The water used in Lanzarote and other Canary Islands comes from desalination plants. According to the Canary Islands Government, there are 22 public desalination plants, not including private facilities.
Water distribution in the region is regulated by Spain’s Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, in line with the European Union’s safe drinking water laws. Additionally, local health authorities and each municipality’s council have established further regulations for water supply management.
Health Regulations and Drinking Water Standards
Under Royal Decree 140/2003, public authorities must ensure that tap water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink. In the Canary Islands, water undergoes continuous testing as part of the Drinking Water Health Surveillance Programme run by the regional government.
To give an idea of the level of monitoring, around 100,000 water analyses are conducted each year.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Lanzarote? Is it safe?
Yes, tap water in Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands is potable and safe for consumption, meeting strict quality standards comparable to those in Germany, Sweden, and France.
However, doubts persist about drinking tap water in Lanzarote, mainly because there isn’t a widespread habit of doing so. Historically, not all areas of the island had access to drinkable water, leading to concerns about its safety. While this is no longer the case, many locals still prefer bottled water.
So, you can drink tap water in Lanzarote without a doubt.
Alternatives to Tap Water
Using Filters and Purification Methods
If you find that tap water in Lanzarote tastes slightly bitter or acidic, installing a multi-stage activated carbon filter can help remove the chlorine taste, improving its flavour to drink it. Additionally, these filters protect against potential contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and microplastics.
Bottled Water: When Is It Really Necessary?
There is no scientific evidence suggesting that bottled water in Lanzarote is healthier than local tap water. In fact, bottled water is less regulated than tap water.
If you choose bottled water, consider factors such as cost, which can affect your budget while living in Lanzarote or visiting de island, and plastic waste, which negatively impacts the environment.
That said, if you have a sensitive stomach or are travelling with babies or young children, bottled water may be the safer choice.
Practical Tips for Tourists
Precautions for Cooking and Brushing Teeth
If you have dietary restrictions related to mineral intake or are concerned that Lanzarote’s tap water may alter the taste of your meals, you can opt for bottled water. Otherwise, tap water is perfectly suitable for cooking and brushing your teeth.
Recommendations Based on the Length of Your Stay
- Short stays (e.g., a weekend trip to Lanzarote): Bottled water may be the easiest option, as the cost is low, and you may not have time to get used to the taste.
- Medium-length stays: Try drinking tap water gradually to see if you adapt to the taste. If not, you can use tap water for cooking and brushing your teeth while drinking bottled water.
- Long stays (over a month): You are likely to get used to the taste of the island’s tap water and may be comfortable using it for all your needs.
How to Adjust to Possible Changes in Water Taste
To improve the taste of tap water, you can:
- Let it sit in a jug for 6 to 12 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
- Chill it well before drinking.
- Add a few drops of lemon juice for a fresher and better taste.
Conclusion
So, can you drink tap water in Lanzarote? Yes, because it meets strict safety standards set by both Spanish and European authorities. However, many residents and visitors still prefer bottled water due to its taste. Fortunately, there are simple ways to improve tap water’s flavour.
If you are living in or visiting Lanzarote, there’s no need to worry about water safety. Whether you choose tap or bottled water depends on your preferences, budget, and environmental considerations.
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