Why does Spanish tap water taste of chlorine?
Spanish law requires all distributed water to contain residual chlorine as a disinfectant. The warm climate encourages bacterial growth in pipes, so chlorine ensures safety from treatment plant to tap.
Is chlorinated water safe?
Yes. Chlorine at these concentrations (0.2–1.0 mg/L) is well within safe limits. It has been used to disinfect drinking water for over a century and has virtually eliminated waterborne diseases.
5 easy ways to reduce the taste
1. Let it sit (free)
Fill a jug and leave uncovered for 15–30 minutes. Chlorine evaporates naturally.
2. Filter jug
Activated carbon filters remove chlorine effectively. €15–25 for the jug.
3. Tap-mounted filter
Screws onto your tap and filters as water flows. €20–40.
4. Under-sink filtration
Permanent solution removing chlorine and other compounds. €150–400 installed.
5. Boiling
Boiling drives off chlorine — practical when making tea or coffee anyway.
What about trihalomethanes?
THMs are by-products formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Spain's limit is 100 µg/L (EU standard). Most Costa del Sol networks are well below this. Activated carbon filters remove THMs effectively.