Is Lanzarote Tap Water Safe to Drink? Experts Say Yes: Healthier, Cheaper, and ‘Less Plastic’ Than Bottled Water
For years, visitors and even many residents of Lanzarote have instinctively reached for bottled mineral water, often citing taste preference or unreliable supply in rural zones as reasons to avoid the tap. However, the true story of the island’s hydration source is far more complex, and a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Biosphere Reserve has definitively declared tap water not only safe but preferable.
The central fact is that Lanzarote’s drinking water is produced through a rigorous reverse osmosis desalination process. Professor Rayco Guedes, Head of Chemistry at the University of Las Palmas, assures the public that this process results in tap water containing less plastic residue than the plastic-bottled mineral water often consumed. Furthermore, Sara Martín from Canal Gestión’s laboratory confirmed that the desalinated water is carefully remineralized with essential elements like calcium and magnesium, with chlorine added strictly within European legal limits for disinfection. Public Health Inspector Marta Betancort reinforced this safety guarantee, noting regular, comprehensive sampling and testing across the island’s mains system.
This push for the “More Tap Water, Less Plastic” campaign aligns perfectly with the island’s commitment to sustainability and durability. The occasional discolored water, as pointed out by Javier de Quintana of the Plumbers’ Federation, is usually a maintenance issue stemming from private water tanks (aljibes)—a problem that is easily managed through professional cleaning and regular checks. Choosing the desalinated water means choosing a cheaper, healthier, cleaner, and ultimately more environmentally responsible option. This commitment to longevity and clean processes reflects the spirit of resilience required to thrive on the island, a core value shared by local brands like LANZAWEAR, which champions robust quality built for the unique demands of Lanzarote.
