Should You Drink Tap Water in Gran Canaria, or Consider Alternatives?
When it comes to drinking tap water in Gran Canaria, you’ll be glad to know that it is generally safe for consumption. However, many people find that the taste of the tap water can be less than desirable. If you’re not a fan of the taste, there are alternative options available.
Many people think the water here isn’t safe to drink. Actually, it’s perfectly safe, but it doesn’t taste good because of the way it’s treated to make it drinkable.
Supermarkets offer a variety of bottled water brands, or you can have water delivered to your accommodation. Another option is to use a filter like Brita to improve the taste of the tap water.
I’ve been drinking unfiltered tap water for two months and no issues so far. Yes, it tastes crap but I drink it ice cold, then it has little taste.
Buying Water at the Supermarket
The most common thing to do is to buy bottled water. In all supermarkets you will find the classical plastic bottles which contain 1-1,5 liters. They also sell much bigger ones which hold 5-8 liters each. To make it easier to pour a glass of water, consider buying a pump. There are 2 sizes for the pump hole so make sure to buy the right one. You can buy these pumps at any bazar or chino for around €1,50.
All those bottles are made of plastic though, so it’s really bad for the environment and we don’t recommend this.
Water Delivery in Glass Bottles
For those who are willing to spend more for having good water I suggest having glass water bottles delivered. There are several local companies who do this, like Aguas de Teror, Aguas de Firgas and Aguas de Guayadeque.
I saw a big car from Aguas de Teror in my street today, I talked to the guys and got their WhatsApp and they brought the boxes of glass bottles right in my flat. I am happy and can order anytime via WhatsApp now.
You can get in touch with them on their website www.aguasdeteror.com and they will deliver directly at your house. They sell both natural (sin gas) or sparkling bottled water (con gas). The price for 12 1L bottles is around 5€.
I normally have water delivered from Aguas de Guayadeque. They’re pretty good and deliver to your home too. They accept cash, credit card and Bizum payments.
Some parts of the islands have better tap water than others. Usually in the south tap water is worse and with a metallic taste, instead towards Las Palmas de Gran Canaria quality starts to increase.
Drinking Tap Water Using Filters
A good option for those who have a decent tap water and want to drink tap water in Gran Canaria, would be to use a filter. The most common filter that always works is called BRITA, you can buy the BRITA carafe and filters in El Corte Inglés. You can also invest in a filter that is directly attached to your tap. Using BRITA the price of water + filters is almost a half compared to buying 8L containers in Mercadona or other similar supermarkets.
I’ve been drinking tap water here for five years, no problems. I recently started using Brita filter and it does improve the taste a lot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to staying hydrated in Gran Canaria, there are several viable options to consider. Filtering tap water can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice, ensuring you have access to clean drinking water at home. Alternatively, having glass water bottles delivered offers convenience and reduces plastic waste, though it may involve higher initial costs. Lastly, purchasing large plastic bottles from supermarkets provides a readily available solution, though it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of plastic consumption. Ultimately, the best option depends on your priorities for safety, sustainability, and convenience. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that meets your hydration needs while respecting the environment in beautiful Gran Canaria.
