Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Gran Canaria? Exploring the Water Quality

When visiting a new destination, one of the common concerns for travelers is the safety of the tap water. Gran Canaria, a popular holiday destination known for its stunning beaches and year-round sunshine, often raises the question: Can I drink tap water in Gran Canaria? In this post, we will delve into the water quality in Gran Canaria, examining the factors that determine its safety and providing you with the information you need for a worry-free stay.

Understanding the Water Source:

The tap water in Gran Canaria comes from a combination of desalinated seawater and underground wells. The island faces limited freshwater resources, and as a result, desalination plants play a crucial role in providing potable water. The water undergoes a purification process before reaching the taps, ensuring it meets certain standards. There are 17 desalinisation plants in Gran Canaria providing water for houses, industrial uses and for irrigation.

Desalination plants play a crucial role in Gran Canaria due to the island’s limited freshwater resources. As a popular tourist destination with a growing population, the demand for water is ever-increasing. Desalination plants provide a sustainable solution by converting seawater into freshwater through advanced technologies such as reverse osmosis. This process helps alleviate the strain on traditional freshwater sources while ensuring a reliable supply of clean drinking water for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Desalination plants are vital in maintaining the water security of Gran Canaria, supporting the island’s infrastructure, tourism industry, and overall sustainability efforts. They showcase the importance of innovative solutions to address water scarcity challenges in regions where freshwater availability is limited.

Water Quality and Safety:

The local authorities in Gran Canaria closely monitor and regulate the quality of tap water. The water is subject to regular testing to ensure it meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU). The quality control measures aim to guarantee that the tap water is safe for consumption and free from harmful contaminants.

The Quality of Tap Water in Gran Canaria:

Overall, the tap water in Gran Canaria is considered safe to drink but nobody drinks it, it tastes like crap. It typically meets the standards for microbiological and chemical parameters. However, it is important to note that the water composition and taste can vary depending on the specific area of the island.

While the tap water is safe, some individuals might experience slight differences in taste due to the desalination process. Some people find the taste slightly salty or slightly chlorinated, but this is purely subjective and doesn’t indicate any health risks.

Precautions and Alternatives:

While the tap water in Gran Canaria is generally safe to drink, some individuals might prefer additional precautions or alternatives. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Bottled Water: Bottled water is widely available throughout Gran Canaria, making it a convenient and reliable alternative to tap water. Many visitors opt for bottled water to ensure peace of mind regarding water quality. It’s recommended to purchase water from reputable brands and check for intact seals when buying bottled water.
2. Water Filters and Purifiers: Another alternative is to use water filters or purifiers. These devices can be effective in removing impurities, such as chlorine, sediment, and potential contaminants, from tap water. There are various types of filters available, including pitcher filters, faucet-mounted filters, and countertop filters. Make sure to choose a filter that is specifically designed for removing the contaminants you are concerned about. We recommend that long term visitors, or foreign residents, use a reverse osmosis water filtration system, which removes 99,9% of all contaminants and preferable with a cartridge that ads minerals to the filtered water. It is a popular and effective method for producing clean and purified drinking water.
3. Boiling Water: Boiling tap water is a traditional and effective method for making it safe to drink. Bringing the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute can kill most bacteria and pathogens. However, keep in mind that boiling does not remove chemical contaminants or impurities.

It’s important to note that the tap water in Gran Canaria meets the required safety standards, and additional precautions or alternatives are a matter of personal preference or specific health concerns. Most locals and residents use it to cook, shower and brush their teeth as it is perfectly safe. However, they choose bottled water to drink because it has a better flavour. If you have any doubts or specific concerns, using one of the alternatives mentioned above can provide an extra layer of reassurance.

Local Bottled water companies

There are several bottled water companies that provide a range of options for residents and visitors. Some of the prominent bottled water brands available on the island include:

1. Fonteide: Fonteide is a well-known brand in the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria. They offer natural mineral water sourced from underground springs, ensuring high-quality water for drinking purposes.
2. Fuente Alta: Fuente Alta is another popular bottled water brand in Gran Canaria. Their water is sourced from natural springs and undergoes a thorough filtration process to ensure purity and taste.
3. Agua de Teror: Agua de Teror is a renowned brand originating from the nearby town of Teror in Gran Canaria. They offer mineral water sourced from the island’s natural springs, known for its refreshing taste. Aguas de Teror offers an online delivery service.
4. Agua de Firgas is known for its premium natural mineral water sourced from the municipality of Firgas, located in the northern part of the island. Their water is carefully extracted from underground springs and goes through a meticulous filtration process to ensure its purity and excellent quality. The Aguas de Firgas company offers home delivery of water bottles via a simple online ordering form.

These are just a few examples of the bottled water companies available in Gran Canaria. It’s important to note that there might be other local or international brands present on the island as well. When purchasing bottled water, it is advisable to look for reputable brands and check for intact seals to ensure the authenticity and quality of the product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the tap water in Gran Canaria is generally safe for consumption. The local authorities regulate and monitor the water quality to ensure it meets international standards. While some may notice slight differences in taste due to the desalination process, it does not pose any health risks. However, if you prefer, bottled water is widely available and can provide an alternative during your visit. Ultimately, staying hydrated is essential, and with the information provided, you can make an informed decision that suits your preferences and needs during your time in Gran Canaria.