CAN YOU DRINK TAP WATER IN LISBON?
There is a saying that water is life. Except for metaphorical meaning and symbolism, these words should be taken literally. Each human being depends on water to exist and feel well, and its quality matters a lot.
Travelers, tourists, and expats visiting a new environment often worry about the safety and purity of water in the region. This concern becomes even more relatable in countries with a Mediterranean climate, where dry and hot summers make a gulp of tasty, safe, and refreshing water indispensable.
If you’re visiting Portugal for the first time, you might be wondering whether it is safe to drink tap water in Lisbon. Even those who live permanently in the country’s capital might occasionally question its safety and quality.
If you are seeking some clarity on the tap water in Lisbon, this article has the answers you need. Keep reading to find out how to stay hydrated without risks and worries!
Is tap water in Lisbon safe to drink unfiltered?
The simple answer is yes – it is safe to drink unfiltered tap water in Lisbon.
Reports show that Portugal’s water system is among the best in Europe, with approximately 99% of its water classified as “safe for consumption.” However, when it comes to daily consumption of water, safety is not the only criterion people take into account. Its quality and taste come into play.
Visitors staying in Lisbon temporarily usually prefer bottled water from supermarkets. It is of higher quality and has a more appealing taste compared to tap water.
It’s not a practical option for permanent residents for a few reasons: high cost and the environmental impact of plastic waste. A more sustainable and wise solution, in this case, is to use water delivery services from specialized companies like AguAqui. They operate in Lisbon and five other municipalities, delivering water in 100% BPA-free bottles within one business day. For context, the label “BPA-free” is used for bottles lacking Bisphenol A, a chemical found in plastics that poses the risk of microplastics contaminating water. Hence, BPA-free bottles provide safety from microplastics and other harmful substances. With nine levels of filtration, a great composition, and a control laboratory, AguAqui is a trusted provider of water delivery services in Portugal.
For those investing in properties in Lisbon, installing an additional filtration system at home is recommended to upscale the quality of drinking water. While this provides peace of mind regarding water purity, it comes with additional expenses for maintenance and periodic repairs of the filtration system.
How is the tap water in Lisbon treated and monitored?
Like most European countries, the Portuguese government distributes public water to residential and industrial buildings through water suppliers. Through EPAL (Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres), the government has made the tap water in Lisbon potable, ensuring its safety.
EPAL derives water from several sources, including surface sources in the River Zêzere and River Tejo, and groundwater sources in areas like Alenquer, Lezírias, and Ota. Surface water is treated at water treatment plants (WTPs) within the country, while groundwater is disinfected with chlorine.
EPAL monitors and controls the filtration and quality of the extracted water daily using monitoring equipment installed throughout the supply system. EPAL annually executes over 300,000 water quality tests to meet Portuguese and European legal standards for drinking water.
What is the quality and taste of tap water in Lisbon?
Generally, tap water in Lisbon may not be to everyone’s liking, as it is considered ‘hard’ due to its calcium and magnesium content. While hard water is safe to drink, its downside is that it makes soap, shampoo, and detergent harder to foam. Additionally, it has a chlorine taste from the disinfection process, making you feel as if you are drinking an unpleasant chemical-filled beverage.
For those seeking alternatives, bottled options like AguAqui balance a gentle taste with great composition, supporting health and well-being. It is composed of calcium (2.22 mg/L) for strong bones and teeth, sodium (17.2 mg/L) for fluid balance and nerve and muscle function, magnesium (0.848 mg/L) for energy and muscle relaxation, and beyond.
This composition makes the water not only enjoyable to drink but also improves the flavor of your morning coffee, the taste of soups, and other dishes prepared with it.
Why does the taste of Lisbon drinking water differ from one place to another?
The issue might stem from the old plumbing systems in some of Lisbon’s older buildings. These aged pipes can degrade over time, affecting the taste of tap water in certain areas. In such cases, the problem is the plumbing, not the water itself.
Replacing the old pipes with new ones will go a long way to resolving issues of Lisbon drinking water. It will also be helpful to update water tap controls and other similar accessories, ensuring cleaner water inside the house.
However, the quickest and most cost-effective solution is to order bottled water from a delivery service, such as AguAqui. This saves both time and money, required in enormous amounts for messing with pipes and plumbing systems.
Conclusion
Tap water in Lisbon is generally safe to drink, but its taste is specific and might not appeal to everyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives in Portugal, from bottled water from supermarkets to convenient delivery services from specialized companies, to provide you with fresh and high-quality water every day. Whatever your choice of drinking water, remember that the goal is to stay healthy and hydrated!