Can I Drink the Tap Water in Seville, Spain?

I see people asking the question of can I drink the tap water in Seville come up a lot in the travel forums for the city. 

The answer I give everyone is yes, you can!

Seville’s tap water is 100% safe to drink. 

I’ve lived in the city for quite some time, and have always drank the tap water here without any issues – I actually think the tap water here tastes better than back home in the UK.

One thing to note is that although it’s perfectly safe to drink, you might find that the taste isn’t to your liking – but that’s just a matter of personal preference. 

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know including what to expect in restaurants, and where to find drinking water fountains around the city. 

I’ve also included a map showing the best spots to refill your water bottle for free – great for saving money, and even better for doing your bit for the planet. 

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Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Seville?

Yes! Over 99.5% of public tap water in Spain is considered safe to drink.

In fact, Seville’s tap water is often praised as some of the best in the country, meeting both EU and national safety standards. 

The sanitation system in Spain is well-developed, with strict regulations in place, making tap water safe to drink even in large cities like Seville.

Is Seville Water Good to Drink?

If you’re curious about the taste of Seville’s tap water, I can tell you it’s actually really good! 

I’m used to the tap water in the UK, and where I lived in the south the tap water had a distinctive chlorine taste to it. I don’t notice that at all in Seville 

In Seville, the taste can be slightly mineral-heavy for some, but overall, it’s fresh and perfectly drinkable.

Back in 2018, there was even a blind tasting of Spanish water by well-known sommelier Faustino Muñoz, and Seville’s water ranked among the top. 

Source of Water in Seville, Spain

Here’s where Seville’s tap water comes from:

• The main source is the Guadalquivir River – don’t worry it’s not taken from the muddy river flowing through the city – it’s taken further up source from the Sierra Morena mountains.
• The water is treated at the Écija and La Rinconada plants to meet drinking standards.
• Seville also uses underground sources like aquifers and wells, which are carefully treated.
• Six reservoirs supply the city: Aracena, Zufre, La Minilla, El Gergal, Melonares, and El Pintado.

Drinking Water Fountains in Seville

There are plenty of public drinking fountains scattered throughout Seville, making it easy to stay hydrated while exploring the city. 

You’ll find them in parks, plazas, and near major landmarks, so you can refill your bottle as you go. These fountains are especially handy during Seville’s hot summers when staying hydrated is a must. 

Here are some signs you might see at drinking water fountains in Spain:

• Fuente de agua: Labels it as a water fountain.
• Agua Potable:  Indicates the water is safe to drink.
• Agua de Boca: Another term for potable (drinkable) water.
• Agua de Grifo: Refers to tap water, which is typically safe to drink.

Other signs you might see:

• Agua No Potable: Warns that the water is not suitable for drinking.
• Pulsa para beber: Tells you to press a button or lever to drink.
• Prohibido lavar: Prohibits washing items at the fountain.
• Uso exclusivo para beber: States the fountain is only for drinking purposes.

Seville Drinking Fountains Map

Here’s a map highlighting drinking water locations in Seville – there are actually even more places to find drinkable water in Seville, but annoyingly Google Maps doesn’t show them all. 

You can click on it for the interactive version. 

Is Tap Water Free in Restaurants in Spain?

Yes! In Andalucia, cafés and bars are legally required to provide free tap water if you ask for it. 

In most of the craft coffee places in Seville, you’ll see a jug of filtered water sitting on the bar with empty glasses to help yourself. Some bars and restaurants also have this, but it’s not so common. 

One thing to note is that if you ask for water many places still serve water in single-use plastic bottles or glass bottles by default. You’ll need to specifically request tap water. 

Use of Plastic Bottles in Seville

Single-use plastic water bottles are everywhere in Seville—sold in grocery stores, kiosks, tourist shops, and even most hostels. 

While some higher-end places serve water in glass bottles, most restaurants and bars still rely on plastic unless you specifically ask for tap water. 

Compared to other cities, Seville isn’t quite up there when it comes to recycling plastics. 

From what I’ve seen, there are plenty of recycling bins for glass, cardboard, and paper, but fewer for single-use plastics. You also don’t pay a deposit on plastic water bottles to encourage the return and recycling of them.

Can I Drink the Tap Water in Seville FAQs

I hope this article answered your question and any concerns about whether or not you can drink the water in Seville. Now you know. The tap water here is safe, easily accessible, and even ranks among the best in Spain. It’s really just down to personal taste. I do find it slightly heavy on the mineral side, but it doesn’t have an overly earthy or chlorine flavour to it. It’s also more economical and better for the environment to drink the water from the tap here.