¿Se puede beber agua del grifo en Barcelona?
Este artículo fue publicado por el autor Editores el 09/02/2025 y actualizado el 09/02/2025. Esta en la categoria Artículos.
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan city of Catalonia, is characterized by its bustling streets, its cultural diversity, and the Mediterranean climate that accompanies it. One of the most basic and essential human needs is the consumption of water, and for those who live in this beautiful city or visit it, the question may arise: can we drink water from the tap in Barcelona?
The quality of water in Barcelona
The water that reaches the homes and establishments in Barcelona comes from the Llobregat and Ter rivers, as well as from the reservoirs of Santa Fe dels Enamorats and La Baells, which are part of the Metropolitan Water Supply System of Barcelona (SOM-Aigües). The SOM-Aigües is responsible for the water treatment and distribution in the metropolitan area, ensuring that it meets the standards required by national and European regulations.
The treatment process that the water undergoes includes several stages, such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, among others, with the aim of eliminating possible contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
In addition, Barcelona has a network of sensors that control the quality of the water in real time, both during the treatment process and in the distribution network. The results of these analyzes are public and available on the Aigües de Barcelona website, demonstrating the commitment of the city to transparency and the responsibility to maintain the quality of the water consumed by its inhabitants and visitors.
Is it safe to drink water from the tap in Barcelona?
Given the rigorous processes that the water undergoes and the constant control of its quality, the answer to the initial question is yes, it is safe to drink water from the tap in Barcelona. In fact, it is recommended by the health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), as it is a more sustainable and cost-effective option than buying bottled water.
The tap water in Barcelona is suitable for human consumption, cooking, and hygiene, and its taste, odor, and appearance are within the established limits and compatible with healthy use. However, there may be specific cases in which tap water is not recommended, such as in the case of immunosuppressed or pregnant people, who should consult their doctor.
It is also important to note that older buildings or those with poor maintenance may have problems with piping that can affect the quality of the water, so it is advisable to keep these aspects in mind and, if necessary, consult a plumbing professional.
Benefits of drinking tap water
As mentioned, drinking tap water is a more environmentally friendly and economical alternative than buying bottled water, as it reduces the waste generated by plastic containers and helps to save money.
Additionally, tap water in Barcelona does not contain added substances, such as sugars or artificial flavors, that can be harmful to health and contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
It is also important to highlight that, unlike some bottled waters, tap water in Barcelona is fluoridated, which contributes to the prevention of tooth decay and improves oral health.
Tips for drinking tap water in Barcelona
To make the most of the benefits of drinking tap water and, at the same time, guarantee its optimal quality, it is advisable to:
- Use a reusable water bottle or glass: in addition to reducing waste and saving money, the use of reusable containers helps to maintain the temperature of the water and avoid the contact of the water with plastic that can release harmful compounds.
- Let the water run for a few seconds: before filling a glass or a bottle, it is recommended to let the water run for a few seconds, as this helps to eliminate possible impurities that may have accumulated in the faucet.
- Keep the faucet clean: it is essential to keep the faucet clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Perform routine maintenance of the plumbing: it is advisable to perform routine maintenance of the plumbing to detect and solve possible problems that may affect the quality of the water.
- Check the quality of the water periodically: the SOM-Aigües makes the results of the quality controls available to the public, so it is advisable to check the website periodically and confirm that the water meets the required standards.
FAQ
Q: Can I drink water from the tap in Barcelona without any problem? A: Yes, you can drink water from the tap in Barcelona without any problem, as long as it meets the required quality standards.
Q: Is tap water in Barcelona safe for cooking and hygiene? A: Yes, tap water in Barcelona is safe for cooking and hygiene, as it meets the established limits for the presence of contaminants.
Q: Are there any cases in which tap water is not recommended in Barcelona? A: Yes, there are specific cases in which tap water may not be recommended, such as in immunosuppressed or pregnant people, who should consult their doctor.
Q: Is tap water in Barcelona fluoridated? A: Yes, tap water in Barcelona is fluoridated, which contributes to the prevention of tooth decay and improves oral health.
Q: What are the benefits of drinking tap water in Barcelona? A: Drinking tap water in Barcelona has several benefits, such as being a more sustainable and cost-effective option, not containing added sugars or artificial substances, and being fluoridated.
References
- SOM-Aigües. Quality of the water. Available at: https://www.somagua.cat/en/quality-of-water/. Consulted on February 15, 2023.
- Aigües de Barcelona. Analyzes and quality of water. Available at: https://www.aiguesdebarcelona.cat/web/gua/analitis_i_qualitat_de_l_aigua. Consulted on February 15, 2023.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Fluoride in drinking-water. Available at: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/fluoride-drinking-water-full/en/. Consulted on February 15, 2023.
- European Commission. Drinking water. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/index_en.html. Consulted on February 15, 2023.
- Spanish Ministry of Health. Water quality, safety, and health. Available at: https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/sanidadAmbiental/calidadAguas/. Consulted on February 15, 2023.
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