The Short Phrases Tourists Will Want To Know Before Ordering Water In Spain

Spain is known for many things: history, tapas, and flamenco, for starters. For outdoors enthusiasts, you could add 11 other reasons Spain should be your next adventure destination. But once you arrive, you'll notice something else — this country is very dry. Spain's climates vary from the humid Atlantic region to the arid Mediterranean coast, but generally speaking, rainfall is light around here, and you'll feel especially parched in the summer months. 

Most people know "agua," the Spanish word for water, so you can slake your thirst quickly. But when you sit down in a Spanish cafe, you'll usually receive two options: "con gas" and "sin gas." Waiters will wait expectantly for your reply, and if the very word "gas" makes you giggle, you may end up ordering the wrong thing. So make a note: "gas" means carbonation. "Con gas" ("with gas") refers to sparkling water, akin to seltzer. "Sin gas" ("without gas") is just a regular bottle of mineral water, minus the bubbles.

Sparkling water is extremely popular across Europe, and while Spaniards are generally less enthusiastic about fizzy refreshments than other nationalities, the question routinely comes up at bistros and restaurants. The most popular brand is local: Vichy Catalan (also known as Vichy Barcelona), with headquarters in, yes, Barcelona. You won't have to clarify "con gas" or "sin gas" in a corner store, of course, since you can just grab a bottle from the refrigerator. But when a server awaits your response, there's one other phrase that might come in handy.

Despite your need to hydrate, you may forgo the bottle altogether. This is when you can turn to a third phrase: "Un vaso de agua del grifo, por favor," or "a glass of tap water, please." This might show up as a full glass, or it might be a decanter designed for pouring; either way, the water should be free, and you won't have to toss (or recycle) the bottle. Indeed, the Spanish government is actively attempting to reduce the volume of single-use contains, after falling behind on its environmental goals. Naturally, a glass of tap water will be still water, and there won't be any fancy flavors or minerals.

This does beg the question: Can you drink the tap water in Spain? After all, there are many countries across Europe where tourists need to be cautious of the tap water. As it happens, you should be able to safely drink from any spout or spigot in Spain without any issues. The odds of getting sick from this well treated water system are extremely low, and residents use it regularly for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes. Note that in certain parts, especially Southern Spain, people have reported an unpleasant taste, leading locals and tourists alike to consume bottled water instead. Whichever option you choose, make sure to drink a lot of it; August temperatures in Barcelona routinely break 90 degrees.