A man living in Tenerife warns Brits to not drink the tap water to avoid stomach issues – and urges people to buy bottled water instead
Tenerife is one of the go-to holiday spots for Brits looking for sun, sea, and a good time. Whether you’re there to lounge on the beach, enjoy the nightlife, or explore the island’s stunning natural beauty, there’s one crucial tip every visitor needs to know – and it’s about something you might take for granted: the water.
If you’re planning a trip to this sun-soaked paradise, you might want to rethink that habit of drinking from the tap. Many Brits are surprised to learn that you can’t drink the tap water in Tenerife. While it’s a common practice in most places, in Tenerife, drinking the local tap water could lead to some rather unpleasant consequences.
This warning comes straight from a British business owner living in Tenerife, who recently shared his tips with his followers on TikTok. TheKnightsRider1 , who runs a business on the island, has a straightforward message: stay hydrated, but don’t drink the tap water.
“Water, make sure you drink plenty of it. It’s very hot here in Tenerife. It’s very hot all year round, so make sure you drink plenty of water. It’s quite a dry climate as well,” he explains in his video. While staying hydrated is a no-brainer, you need to be cautious about how you hydrate.
The business owner goes on to highlight a key issue many tourists don’t realise until they arrive: Tenerife’s tap water isn’t safe to drink. “However, bear in mind that you cannot drink the tap water over here, so if you are making drinks in the room or apartment, anything like that, there’s only a few places where you can drink the water and it’s safe to drink.”
This may come as a surprise to many, especially when you’re used to being able to just fill up a glass from the tap. But drinking the local tap water can lead to serious stomach issues – and no one wants that when they’re on holiday. “If you do drink the tap water, you can end up pretty ill in terms of on and off the loo, you know what I’m saying. So do be very careful,” he says.
Thankfully, staying hydrated doesn’t have to break the bank. Bottled water is widely available and pretty affordable on the island. “The water isn’t expensive, a huge 5-litre bottle for a euro 30,” says TheKnightsRider1. So, if you’re someone who drinks a lot of water, grabbing a few large bottles will save you both money and hassle – and keep you safe.
According to Guide to Canary , the water is safe to drink but not preferred even by the locals as it’s desalinated from the sea and many say it has an unappealing taste.
