I've never had problems with drinking tap water while in southern Spain, but my consumption may have been limited to restaurants, hotels, etc. A friend claimed that the tap water made her sick. Anyone have any problem drinking tap water ?

Just answered my question by searching the forum. Seems a very few have had some problems. Most were very confident in drinking tap water

Here is a little more information you should find useful:

Drinking Water in Madrid & Spain (www.gomadrid.com/practic/water.html)

According to the Spanish tourist board: "Drinking water supply is guaranteed throughout Spain. We have stringent control systems that guarantee water quality. Nevertheless, in some Mediterranean coastal areas consumption of bottled water is widespread."

Remember that 'widespread' doesn't mean 'essential'. In public rest rooms and fountains, look out for the phrase 'agua potable' to make sure it is drinking water.

I can't imagine why someone would get sick from tap water in Spain, I've been numerous times and drink the tap water everywhere in Europe.

Lots of people throw away money on bottled water and contribute horribly to ruining the environment due to all those plastic bottles, but it isn't necessary, just habit and a waste of money. Spain isn't some 3rd world country.

Some people have very sensitive systems and have problems with any water different from those at home. Doesn't mean the water is unsafe - just may have a different mineral content.

We have never had issues with water in europe except for St Pet - where one drinks only bottled.

In the Basque Country, where the annual rainfall is quite important and water resources are available everywhere, tap water is considered much better than bottled water.

We all die in Spain of drinking tap water. So we just drink the wine instead ;-)

It has never been problem and we have been in almost region of Spain. It could be your friend.

I would avoid the bottled water, I suspect more people die due to the bottled water industry than due to drinking public water in the western and central part of Europe.

I've drunk happily from "potable" wells up to the Eastern part of Hungary.

It's Spain, not Mexico. Your friend's problem is rooted elsewhere.