Tap Water In Portugal

Have you just arrived in Portugal and wondered if the water is safe to drink here? Or you may be looking for some information for your area about how safe and clean the water is. The good news is that water in Portugal is safe to drink, routinely tested, and meets very high standards for water quality control. The bad news is that the water doesn’t have an excellent reputation, and in many cases, the locals prefer to drink bottled water.

Portugal is quite a popular European destination for those going on holiday or looking to relocate.

Travelers splurge on food and drink – but sometimes it’s nice to just sit down with a refreshing glass of cold tap water.

The good news is that you can drink tap water in Portugal. You may find the taste could be better than the water back home in Britain, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less safe to drink. Restaurants will offer bottled water when dining, but it’s OK to ask for free tap water.

Restaurants will serve it to you in a glass – but if you order bottled water, all places are required to use glass bottles instead of plastic.

Is tap water considered to be Portugal safe to drink? What are the main water issues/problems? Is bottled water better than tap water? What is the best kind of water filter for Portugal?

In this article, we will answer these and other questions about tap water in Portugal and why you should consider using a water filter in Portugal.

Read on to find out why and everything you need to know about tap water in Portugal! Here is a more detailed analysis of tap and bottled water in Portugal.

Is Tap Water Safe To Drink In Portugal?

Yes! The most recent data available describes that 98.6% of water is safe for human consumption. If you are interested in a specific area in Portugal, you can search this dataset, which breaks down the data by the municipality.

Why Does The Tap Water In Portugal Have A Terrible Reputation?

Despite the water being 98.6% safe, Portugal has a reputation for poor water quality. Why is that? Before Portugal’s membership in the European Union, Portugal had several problems with water quality and even its supply. However, the facilities were quickly modernized based on several EU directives related to water quality and hygiene. In 1993, it was reported that approximately 50.1% of water was safe for human consumption. This rose to 80.9% over ten years and was 98.6% in 2018 (2018 is the most recent data available), despite the fact that the rapid rise of quality but safe drinking water from taps, culture, customs, and reputation have yet to catch up.

Why Do The Portuguese Drink Bottled Water?

It’s as much history as custom, but also a matter of taste for many people. In some parts of Portugal, such as the tap water in the Algarve, the water is calcareous and tastes different because of this. Bottled water is also pretty cheap, so many people buy it for better taste and convenience. A 1.5-liter bottle of supermarket-brand water can cost as little as 10 cents per liter. So for many people, it costs very little to throw an extra bottle of water or two into their supermarket.

Can I Order Tap Water In Restaurants In Portugal?

Yes, you can. Generally, water is served in bottles in restaurants. They usually ask if you want it natural. Fresca will generally be served chilled, while natural is at room temperature. Unless you specifically go ahead and ask for tap water, it will usually be a bottle. However, the times are changing, and it is now much more common to ask for tap water in restaurants. Occasionally, you may run into a grumpy cafe or restaurant owner who may turn you away or grumble at you. The low cost of bottled water means it’s easy to raise the price, and restaurants benefit. Tripadvisor has had several complaints about this practice, and it is more common in high tourist traffic areas where the owners care much less about their regular customers and much more about extracting as much money as possible from tourists!

How Do I Order Tap Water In Restaurants?

You simply have to ask for água da torneira, tap water and um copo by the glass. So, “Eu geção de um copo de água da torneira, por favor” is “I’d like a glass of tap water, please”.

Are There Environmentally Friendly Alternatives To Drinking Bottled Water In Portugal?

Portugal has one of the worst plastic recycling rates in the EU, according to the latest figures. Current estimates suggest that only 30% of plastic waste in Portugal is recycled, and the cultivation of bottled water is a known problem. In Portugal, there are several environmentally friendly alternatives to bottled water that you can rely on instead of buying bottled water.

Drink Tap Water In Portugal

You can drink tap water! It is safe! And you can spread the word and encourage others to drink tap water too!

Consider Using A Water Filter In Your Home

If you don’t like the taste of your tap water in Portugal, you can actually improve it with a water filter. The most basic systems are simple pitchers with an activated carbon filter like the Brita system. More expensive filtration systems can be fitted to your taps or even a separate water tank for much more drinking water!

Use Refillable Bottles

With the growing awareness of making environmentally friendly decisions, a number of initiatives have been launched to combat plastic water bottles. One of them, which we regularly use ourselves, is the Eco stations available in Pingo Doc. Eco offers reusable water bottles and filling stations in more than 120 Pingo Doce stores throughout Portugal. Each refillable bottle costs €1, and a refill of up to 3 liters costs €0.18. If you can’t stand the taste of tap water in Portugal, then this is a great way to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles in your household. Eco message that the bottle can be reused for up to 18 months. We’ve had ours for 12 months so far, and they’re still in great shape!

Consider Glass Bottled Water Instead Of Plastic Bottled Water

The glass recycling rate in Portugal is double that of plastic (around 62%, according to the latest data). If you rely on the convenience of bottled water, switch to glass. Just make sure you recycle the bottle afterward.

Tap Water In Portugal: Conclusions

Tap water in Portugal is 98.7% safe for human consumption.

The fundamental reason for the widespread use of bottled water is taste and price.

Restaurants usually serve bottled water, but you can ask for tap water.

Plastics are easy to avoid, and there are many reasons why you should.

Why Can’t You Directly Drink Tap Water In Some Of The Countries In The EU?

You will find that tap water is not safe to drink in some countries.

That’s because it could have been contaminated with bacteria, nitrates, lead, fluoride, arsenic, or even radium.

These would be dangerous for your body, and hence it is best to avoid them.

In some places, tap water is not safe for travelers to drink because their bodies have not developed a tolerance to the impurities in the same way that the locals would.

The European Union EU adopted a new drinking water directive at the end of 2020. The Directive oversees the quality of tap water in EU countries, including Portugal. Although the regulation does not apply to sources of mineral water, it does apply to most water distribution systems and bottled drinking water.

Similar to other water safety and quality standards, government organizations set thresholds for monitoring and testing tap water. These thresholds are based on World Health Organization guidelines.

However, city and state authorities can set additional standards that go beyond the EU Drinking Water Directive.

In addition, some areas may temporarily lower chemical quality standards if these thresholds do not pose a risk to human health. In addition, the water treatment facility, city, or country must demonstrate that meeting the chemical quality standards of the Directive is not possibly due to a lack of resources.

Yes, it is generally considered safe to drink in the urban and tourist areas. However, before Portugal had made the decision to join the EU, there were many problems with the water infrastructure, which is why many people still prefer bottled water.

Public water is constantly regulated by ERSAR – the Water and Wastewater Regulatory Authority – and supplied by local municipal water companies. All are strictly bound and controlled in accordance with the EU Drinking Water Directive, thus meeting international water quality standards. In 2005, during an EU inspection, there were several reports of problems with coliform and fecal coliform bacteria in tap water, but by 2015, 98.7% of public water was reported to be safe. More detailed information about coliform bacteria is here.

Portugal is now among the leading countries in Europe when it comes to making drinking water test results available to citizens. Reports for local tap water (updated here at least every three months) are available online here for everyone to access.

Why Don’t People In Portugal Drink Tap Water?

One of the common complaints of Portuguese citizens is the taste due to the chlorination and high mineral content of the water in some areas. In addition, many people prefer bottled water because of its taste, especially in the south, where the water is very hard, and in Lisbon, where it is slightly hard.

In recent years, the government has also started to promote drinking tap water actively. In 2017, EPAL and the Hotel Association of Portugal teamed up to promote the consumption of tap water in the city of Lisbon by launching a bottle designed by renowned architect Siza Vieira.

The taste of tap water can be significantly improved with a high-quality water filter such as the TAPP 2. It will cost you just €5 per month.

Another tip is to get reusable stainless steel for travel, sports, and other activities where access to fresh tap water may be limited.

Is The Water In Portugal Deemed Hard Or Soft?

According to research by the Borgen project, approximately 13.3% of Portuguese tap water is hard, and 20% is brutal. Meanwhile, 28.9% are soft, and 37.8% are soft.

Based on these approximated statistics, you are much more likely to find soft tap water in Portugal. However, whether tap water is hard or soft can vary by region.

You can find higher mineral content in tap water in northern areas. If you are new to the area, you can learn more about water quality by asking local residents and restaurant staff.

Top 3 Portuguese Cities With The Cleanest Water

The quality of the tap water in Portugal usually varies by region. Use the map to see which regions exceed, meet, or fall below water quality standards.

The district of Faro in the south, the district of Braga in the north, and the district of Leiria in the central region are examples of areas that exceed minimum water quality standards.

Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve have drinking water from the tap. Lisbon, in the center of the country, is the capital of Portugal. The population of the city exceeds two million. Lisbon lies along a river that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Porto is a city located in the north of Portugal. Famous for its port wine, this city has more than 1 million inhabitants. Like Lisbon and Porto, the Algarve is located near a river. The city is in the southern region and is famous for its golf courses, fish, and wine.

Who Regulates Water In Portugal?

The Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Regional Development is responsible for creating water quality policies and legislation. However, there is an independent regulatory body that oversees national water supply management. The Office for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services also manages wastewater and stormwater.

This body has three board members, whose appointment is the responsibility of the Ministry. The Water Management Institute INAG is under the Office for the Regulation of Water and Waste Services. This body ensures the implementation and enforcement of the EU Water Directive.

If that sounds complicated, it is. You can think of these water management authorities as three different branches of state administration.

The Ministry sets policies and rules in line with EU and local water directives. A separate regulatory body makes policy recommendations based on local water management and water supply.

Finally, the Water Institute INAG is similar to local authorities and ensures that Portugal complies with water policies and guidelines. They are like police officers who patrol the streets and monitor traffic.

Where Does Portugal Get Its Water From?

About 60% of Portugal’s drinking water comes from underground sources. Groundwater is a source of water that exists underground. These resources include the aquifers above which the land lies.

Groundwater sources also include wells. Portugal’s rivers provide additional supplies of fresh water. Some rural or remote areas may have self-managed stocks.

Groundwater requires alot of resources, including infrastructure and labor, to become potable water. It must be mined or removed from underground.

Groundwater can be fresh, but it can also be easily contaminated by pollution. Treatment of groundwater can sometimes be more expensive and more laborious than treatment of surface water sources.

You must also ensure that there is no destabilization of the soil above the groundwater. Sometimes releasing too much water from aquifers too quickly can promote hazards such as sinkholes.

Although sinks can be refilled, they can cause property damage and personal injury. They also cause a nuisance if they develop in or near infrastructures such as roads and buildings.

Where Can I Buy Water Filters For Tap Water In Portugal?

TAPP is mostly sold online with tap water with free delivery and at Pikikos in Lisbon, among others. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Read more about how TAPP compares to Brita, PUR, Culligan, and other water filters.

How Clean Is The Tap Water Considered In Portugal?

Tap water in Portugal is usually quite clean and meets all of the EU safety standards. That means that it, therefore, meets international water quality standards.

However, in the middle of the First and Second World Wars, the water became contaminated, and many British and American soldiers complained that it was undrinkable.

From that point on, many believed (and still believe) that drinking water from places like Portugal, Spain, and France was unsafe.

There is also the notion that just because something tastes bad, it is terrible to consume it when that may not be true.

These widespread rumors have reached young people, some of whom won’t even use tap water to brush their teeth in Portugal.

Portugal regularly publishes the results of drinking water tests, letting residents and tourists know that it is safe.

You may be surprised to learn that tap water is generally safe to drink in Portugal. However, right before they joined the European Union and adopted strict regulation of their water systems, there were many cases of people having problems with bacteria or even toxins getting into some of our most precious resources: water!

Nowadays, it is common for locals to live close enough (or far) to an urban area like Lisbon City, which has been heavily influenced by tourists because so much time has been spent building infrastructure since joining Europe.

So 98.6% of water is drinkable for humans! If you’re looking at a specific area in Portugal and wondering if it’s OK or not – there’s an easy way to find this dataset – search each municipality individually using keywords like “water”.

How Tap Water Is Treated In Portugal?

Water treatment in Portugal is mainly treated with chlorine. This chemical can affect the taste of tap water, which is why some of the locals and tourists prefer filters and bottled water sources.

Depending on the general amount of chlorine used to go ahead and treat your tap water, you may smell it. This odor may raise safety concerns, even though chlorine treatment is safe.

Chlorination

However, some find the smell of chlorine in their household or tap water unpleasant and even resort to using bottled water for cooking, bathing, and washing dishes. A whole-house filter, or one that connects to your home’s main water line, can filter chlorine from water that comes through showers, bathtubs, and household appliances.

People also have different levels of sensitivity to chlorine. Some of the effects tend to include throat, eye, and nose irritation. Others may experience gastrointestinal problems, including stomach pain and bloating.

If you are concerned about any water treatment chemicals in your water, stick with filters and packaged sources.

Bottled Water In Portugal

With 114 liters of bottled water per inhabitant per year, Portugal is among the countries with the highest consumption of bottled water in Europe. There are lots of great local brands like Luso by SCC, as well as other brands like Pedras, Vidago, Vitalis, and Frize. They are usually sold as mineral water. Although it is perceived as the safest and healthiest option, the risk of illness from bottled water is similar to that of tap water, as both are thoroughly tested.

Unfortunately, Portugal has one of the worst known recycling rates in Europe, recycling around 10% of plastic waste. Therefore, it is recommended that, if need be, either buy water in glass bottles or avoid bottled water altogether. If you prefer sparkling water, you can go get a soda maker like SodaStream.

Drinking Water In Restaurants

Whenever you ask for water in restaurants, they usually serve bottled water, but it’s OK to ask for tap water in a glass. Also, the main good news is that thanks to the recent regulations, restaurants are required to use only glass bottles, which is much better for the environment.

Is Drinking Bottled Water The Safest Option In Portugal?

Drinking bottled water is not necessarily deemed as safer than tap water. However, many locals and tourists alike use bottled water instead of tap water. This is mainly due to concerns about taste.

Other concerns include the aging condition of water pipes in some areas. Some pipes are more than 50 years old, and a few may contain lead.

Lead from the pipes that can easily can seep into tap water if proper treatment chemicals are not used to prevent pipe erosion. Once lead enters the water supply, it can have harmful and deadly consequences.

Unfortunately, the water scandal in Flint, Michigan, shows what can happen when city officials neglect the necessary precautions.

While some of the people may feel safer drinking bottled water, filters may be more effective at removing chemicals. It is challenging to verify the sources and treatment methods of bottled water.

Just because something tastes better doesn’t mean it’s the safest option. But in Portugal, the locals tend to accept that drinking bottled water is the safest option.

Are Water Filters Necessary In Portugal?

No, water filters are not at all necessary for Portugal as tap water meets or exceeds quality standards in most areas. Water filters are only necessary if you live in or visit an area where the water does not meet quality standards.

Tap Water Filter

You may also need water filters in more remote areas where there is a need for more resources to monitor and adjust the water supply. Water filters that usually tend to use reverse osmosis filtration methods are usually the best. You can buy individual filters, attach filters to individual faucets, or attach them to the main water pipe in your home.

Can You Drink Tap Water In Portugal?

The tap water in Portugal is generally drinkable – in some regions, the tap water is even of exceptionally high quality. The reason is primarily the fact that Portugal, as a member of the EU, must comply with the general EU requirements for tap water quality.

Nevertheless, there are some regions in Portugal where the tap water is more heavily chlorinated.

Source And Origin Of Tap Water In Portugal

Most tap water in Portugal comes from surface water, such as rivers and lakes, as well as water reservoirs explicitly created for tap water.

A minor part comes from the country’s underground reservoirs. Where the tap water in Portugal usually comes from, however, it ultimately also depends on the respective region of the country.

Tap water is always treated by the local water company in accordance with EU requirements for the bare minimum of the tap water quality. Pollutants such as heavy metals can therefore be eliminated in tap water.

Tap water is heavily chlorinated in some Portuguese regions

Especially in the hot summer months, some regions of the country can experience impurities in their tap water. These can take the form of bacteria and germs that are associated with high temperatures.

In addition, there are several regions where the water quality is somewhat worse – mainly in coastal areas or on islands.

Therefore, in principle, there are areas in Portugal with a higher chlorine content in the tap water. Chlorine is present to kill bacteria and germs. However, the chlorine content in tap water in Portugal is harmless to the human body.

By the way, the most famous cities in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Amadora, Brage, Funchal, Coimbra, Setubal, Almada, Agualva-Cacem, Queluz, and Rio Tinto.

Is Water From Fountains Drinkable In Portugal?

Most fountains in Portugal do not have potable water, so it is not possible to fill a water bottle. If you do it anyway, you are taking a considerable health risk.

However, there are several drinking water fountains in Portugal that have been placed in public in the form of small taps. These can be found all over Portugal, but mainly in tourist areas.

Public sources of drinking water are supplied with water from the tap – and therefore with water of drinking water quality.

Quality Of Tap Water In Hotels And Accommodation

The quality of tap water in hotels and accommodations in Portugal is usually similar to that of private households: It is therefore not a problem to drink tap water in most hotels and accommodation facilities.

Only in old hotels and accommodation facilities should we be careful: The quality of the tap water here can be worse if the water pipes have not been sufficiently maintained.

Therefore, if in doubt, always make sure to ask how good the water quality actually is.

Swimming Water Quality In Portugal

The quality of the bathing water in Portugal is usually reported as high – if bathing in private households or hotels and accommodation facilities. Here, the water for bathing is ordinary tap water.

However, in public swimming pools, it is important not to swallow the water due to the high chlorine content.

Where Does It Make Sense To Treat Undrinkable Tap Water In Portugal?

Treatment of tap water makes sense in regions of Portugal where the chlorine content is higher.

Using a reverse osmosis filter, excess chlorine can be filtered out of the tap water, so the tap water tastes good again.

Cost Of Bottled Drinking Water In Portugal

If you don’t want to drink tap water in Portugal or for some other reason want to buy bottled drinking water from the supermarket, you can get it at a reasonable price: a 1.5-liter water bottle costs €0.58 on average in Portugal.

What You Should Know Before Drinking Tap Water In Portugal

Here in Portugal, tap water is routinely tested for purity as well as the number of bacteria. However, many locals will drink bottled instead due to the unpopular opinion of tap water. But don’t let these myths stand between you and good hydration – read on to learn more!

How Is Bottled Water In Portugal?

In Portugal, bottled water is deemed quite a popular alternative to tap water because many people enjoy better taste and convenience. A 1.5-liter bottle from your local Portuguese supermarket can be as cheap as 10 cents a liter! You can find some great local brands like Luso by SCC. There are also other popular names in this area of Portugal, like Pedras Vidago Vitalis Frize!

Can I Ask For Tap Water At The Restaurant?

The price of regular bottled water in Portuguese restaurants is relatively high, usually around €4-5 for a large bottle. A bottle of the same size probably costs less than a euro in your local supermarket, and you won’t get a draft unless you specifically ask for it. However, the tap water in the glass is newly bottled. If you ask, restaurants are no longer allowed to serve their customers anything but glass bottles and cans! This recent regulation has improved our lives by giving us access to cleaner drinking options.

If you live in or visit Portugal, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in most areas. However, you may prefer to use bottled water or filters instead of drinking straight from the tap. Since most dry cleaners use chlorine, the taste and smell can be unpleasant.

You can buy bottled water or get it from local restaurants and cafes. Stand-alone water filters or filters that connect to your home’s primary water system are more permanent and convenient solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are new to Portugal, bottled water is everywhere. Not only do restaurants serve it, but people often ask if they can have a bottle of water instead of a tap when ordering coffee or tea. This makes sense at first glance, as fresh drinking water is not readily available in many countries and could taste better than some of the other options on offer. But what could be more obvious? The reality is that more than 98% of your tap water is safe for regular human consumption according to the Portuguese standards! You can go ahead and drink from any public fountain without worry – make sure there’s no trash around before you take a sip – and you can even use it with ice cubes in summer drinks like lemonade or iced tea.

It is generally safe and healthy to drink tap water throughout Portugal.

Get a water filter like the TAPP 2 to improve taste and reduce the risk of contamination. In Portugal, avoid bottled water, as most plastics are not properly recycled. Get a high-quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.

Although restaurants will serve bottled water as standard, it’s OK to ask for tap water.