Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Portugal?

Can you drink the tap water in Portugal? Yes. Portuguese tap water is treated, regulated and safe to drink across the country. Here’s what it tastes like in different regions, how to order it in restaurants, and how to cut down on plastic bottles.

Quick answer: tap water is safe to drink throughout mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. In some areas, especially parts of the Algarve, it can taste of chlorine, so many people prefer filtered or bottled water. Bring a refillable bottle. In restaurants, ask for “água da torneira” if you want tap water.

How safe is it?

Very safe. Portugal’s water regulator, ERSAR, publishes yearly figures on drinking water quality. In its most recent report, covering 2024, about 99% of tests on the mainland met the safety standards, and many municipalities scored 100%. This has been the case for years. Water companies treat and test the supply constantly, and the rules follow the same EU drinking water standards used across Europe.

So the main question for visitors is taste, not safety. Plenty of Portuguese families still buy bottled water out of habit or preference, which is why you see so many big bottles in supermarket trolleys. That doesn’t mean the tap is unsafe.

By region

• Lisbon and Porto: good quality and fine to drink. Lisbon’s water comes mainly from the Castelo de Bode reservoir and tastes clean and fairly neutral.
• The Algarve: safe, but the taste is noticeably chlorinated in places. Leaving a jug in the fridge for a while helps the chlorine taste fade.
• The Alentejo: safe on the mains, though in some areas the water is hard and leaves white marks on kettles.
• Madeira and the Azores: safe, often from mountain springs.
• Rural areas: mains water is safe. Avoid untreated springs or fountains marked “água não controlada” (untested water) or “água imprópria para consumo” (not fit to drink).

If you’re renting a holiday home in an old building or a remote spot with its own well or borehole, ask the owner whether the water is from the mains. If in doubt, drink bottled.

In restaurants

Restaurants usually bring bottled water, which you pay for. Ask for “água da torneira” (tap water) or “um jarro de água” (a jug of water). Some places will happily oblige, while others only serve bottled. Choose “natural” for room temperature, “fresca” for chilled or “com gás” for sparkling.

Bottled water in a restaurant is usually cheap compared with northern Europe. Popular Portuguese brands include Luso and Monchique for still water, and Pedras Salgadas and Vidago for sparkling. It’s fine to say no to anything you didn’t order, including the bread and olives brought to the table. See Portuguese etiquette.

Useful phrases

• Água da torneira, por favor: tap water, please.
• A água é potável? Is the water drinkable?
• Água potável: drinking water, often written on public taps.
• Sem gás / com gás: still / sparkling.

See Portuguese phrases.

Reduce plastic

• Refillable bottle: fill up at your hotel and at public fountains marked as drinkable.
• Filter bottles: improve the taste where it’s chlorinated.
• Big bottles: if you prefer bottled, buy 5-litre bottles at the supermarket.
• Recycling: put plastic bottles in the yellow street bins.

Staying hydrated

Summers are hot, especially inland and in the south, where July and August temperatures often pass 35°C. Carry water on hikes and sightseeing days, and refill whenever you can. On coastal walks and in the hills, there may be no shops or fountains for hours. See healthcare for tourists.

More: the Portugal packing list and things to know before visiting Portugal.

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