How is the tap water in Europe? (UK, English, cons)

[overdrive1979]

Originally Posted by Summerwhale

No I would not drink Spanish or Portuguese water.

Try Madrid, the best water in the Iberian peninsula so far.
Water is fine in most places in Spain and Portugal, except in Mediterranean coast.

[Irene-cd]

how is the tap water in America? (your answer would be, it depends on the place where you are, it's a big country)

the same answer applies to europe, might be top quality in some places, might be a bit heavy in others, might be a bit bad in others (europe is not ONE single place, you know?)

[Rozenn]

Originally Posted by lucidfall

France, Italy, Spain: big cities might be okay, but not sure about rural areas

Is this based off stereotypes? Latin countries can't handle water treatment? Why would it be safer in big cities?

[nei]

There is no tap water in Europe. At least the restaurants have no tap water.

[Rozenn]

I ordered tap water at a restaurant today. Customs differ from a country to another. I've never been served tap water in Spain or Belgium, but also never had to order bottled water in France.

[nei]

do they charge for tap water in France?

[Rozenn]

No.

[Summerwhale]

Why on earth would they charge?

[Minato ku]

This is required by the law in France. Restaurants, cafés, bars... have to serve tap water if asked. (generally, restaurants serve a jug of water on the table on a systematic way).

[alphatier]

The tap water in Malaga is absolutely fine whereas in Barcelona it is absolutely disgusting. Seems to vary from city to city.

The worst tap water I had in Germany was in Berlin. It had a weird aftertaste.