Can you drink the tap water in Tenerife?

Tap water in Tenerife is treated and monitored by the Canary Islands health authorities and is generally safe to drink, but most locals and visitors drink bottled water because of the taste. Water from desalination and volcanic aquifers can taste mineral-heavy or slightly salty, and older buildings with storage tanks can affect the quality at the tap.

The practical answer: brushing your teeth, washing fruit and making tea or coffee with tap water is fine; for drinking, many people simply buy large bottles from the supermarket.

Where Tenerife’s water comes from

Tenerife has more natural water resources than most of the Canary Islands, mainly underground water drawn from galleries and wells in the volcanic rock. Desalination plants also supply a large share of household water, particularly in the dry south where most resorts are. Around half of household consumption on the island comes from desalinated sea water.

Recent dry years have put pressure on supply. The island’s council declared a water emergency in 2024 to speed up desalination and reuse projects. That was about securing enough water rather than a problem with safety, but it is a reminder to use water carefully during your stay.

Is it safe?

Drinking water in Spain is regulated under national and EU standards. In the Canaries, water companies and the regional health service monitor quality, and results are published through Spain’s national drinking water information system (SINAC).

That said, two things affect what comes out of your tap:

• The building’s plumbing. Many apartment blocks store water in roof or basement tanks before it reaches the tap. If tanks or pipes are poorly maintained, quality and taste can suffer.
• Temporary notices. Very occasionally, a municipality issues a notice that tap water in a particular area shouldn’t be drunk while work is carried out. Your hotel or apartment manager will know.

If you are unsure, ask at reception. Hotels will tell you if their water is fine to drink or if they recommend bottled.

What about the taste?

Desalinated and mineral-rich groundwater can taste flat, chalky or slightly salty, especially if you are used to soft water. Some people find it fine chilled; others prefer bottled. This is the main reason locals buy water, rather than safety concerns.

Practical tips

Use	Tap water OK?
Brushing teeth	Yes
Showering and washing	Yes
Tea and coffee (boiled)	Yes
Washing fruit and salad	Yes
Drinking	Generally safe, but most people prefer bottled for taste
Ice in bars and restaurants	Yes
Baby formula	Use bottled water labelled suitable for babies

Bottled water

Supermarkets such as Mercadona, Lidl, Spar and HiperDino sell large bottles cheaply, and local brands bottled from Tenerife’s springs are widely available. Buying a 5-litre bottle and refilling a reusable bottle cuts plastic waste and cost.

Water filters

If you are staying for weeks or months, a filter jug or a refillable bottle with a built-in filter can improve the taste of tap water. Long-stay visitors often do this.

Self-catering and long stays

If you are in an apartment, run the tap for a few seconds before using it, particularly after you arrive or if it hasn’t been used for a while. Clean the kettle regularly, as mineral-rich water leaves limescale. Some owners leave a note on whether the water is fine to drink; if not, ask the property manager.

In restaurants and bars

You will be offered bottled water in restaurants, still (sin gas) or sparkling (con gas). Tap water isn’t always offered automatically, but you can ask for “agua del grifo”. Ice in drinks is generally made from treated water and is fine.

Staying hydrated

Tenerife’s sun and dry air make dehydration easy, especially on beach days, in summer and on Mount Teide. Carry water when you go out, and drink regularly. For travelling with children, see Tenerife with kids, and for sun and heat advice, see is Tenerife safe?.

Upset stomach?

Holiday stomach bugs in Tenerife are more often linked to food, heat, too much sun or a change in diet than to tap water. If you do get ill, pharmacies can help, and our hospitals and pharmacies guide explains where to go if it doesn’t clear up. If you’re planning a busy schedule of evenings out, DoTenerife’s what’s on tonight listings can help you pace yourself, and drinking water between rounds is always a good idea.