Drinking Water Quality
Practical Info
Tap water in the Algarve is safe to drink and meets all EU standards for potable water. Despite this, many residents and visitors prefer to drink bottled water, partly out of habit and partly because the tap water in some areas has a noticeable chlorine taste or mineral content that some people find unappealing.
The Algarve's water supply is managed by Aguas do Algarve, the regional water utility, which treats and distributes water from a combination of surface reservoirs and underground aquifers. The region's two main reservoirs, the Barragem do Arade near Silves and the Barragem de Odelouca in the Monchique foothills, provide the majority of the surface water supply. These are supplemented by water from the Alqueva system in the Alentejo and by groundwater extracted from the region's limestone aquifers.
Water quality is regularly monitored and tested by the utility company and by ERSAR, the national water and waste services regulatory authority. Test results are publicly available and consistently show compliance with EU drinking water standards for chemical and microbiological parameters. The water is treated with chlorine to ensure microbiological safety, which accounts for the taste that some people notice.
The mineral content of tap water varies across the Algarve depending on the local source. Water from limestone aquifers tends to be harder (higher in calcium and magnesium) than water from the surface reservoirs. Hard water is perfectly safe to drink but can affect the taste of tea and coffee and can cause limescale build-up in kettles and appliances.
Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available throughout the Algarve. Portuguese mineral water brands include Luso, Serra da Estrela, Vitalis and Agua das Pedras. Supermarkets sell large bottles (5 or 6 litres) for less than one euro, making bottled water an affordable option for those who prefer it. Sparkling water (agua com gas) is also widely available.
Restaurants will typically serve bottled water (mineral or spring water) unless you specifically request tap water (agua da torneira). There is no stigma attached to requesting tap water, though it is not the cultural norm in Portugal.
Water conservation is an important issue in the Algarve. The region experiences hot, dry summers and relies on winter rainfall to replenish its reservoirs and aquifers. Drought conditions, which have become more frequent in recent years, can lead to water restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to use water responsibly, particularly during the summer months.