Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about water filtration on the Costa Blanca
About Torrevieja Water
Understanding the water supply in your area
Is the tap water in Torrevieja safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water in Torrevieja meets all EU safety standards and is technically safe to drink. However, "safe" does not mean pleasant. The water has very high mineral content, elevated chlorine levels (especially in summer), and a taste that most people find unappealing. Many expats and locals prefer not to drink it straight from the tap. A water filtration system makes it not just safe but genuinely enjoyable to drink.
Why does the water taste so bad in Torrevieja?
Torrevieja's water supply comes from a mix of desalinated seawater and treated reservoir water. The desalination process removes salt but leaves a different mineral profile. High levels of calcium and magnesium (hard water) combined with chlorine added for disinfection create a taste most people find unpleasant. The hardness level regularly measures between 40 and 50 degrees French hardness (fH), which is classed as "very hard."
What is the hardness level of water in Torrevieja?
Torrevieja water typically measures between 40 and 50 degrees French hardness (fH). To put that in context, water below 15 fH is considered soft, 15-30 fH is moderately hard, and anything above 30 fH is very hard. At 40-50 fH, Torrevieja has some of the hardest water in Spain. This causes significant limescale buildup in appliances, on fixtures, and can dry out skin and hair.
Does the water quality vary by area on the Costa Blanca?
Yes, water quality can vary significantly even between neighbouring urbanisations. Some areas receive water from different sources or through older pipework. The desalinated water ratio also varies. What works perfectly in Los Balcones might need a different approach in Ciudad Quesada.
Where does Torrevieja's water come from?
Roughly 70% of Torrevieja's water comes from the Torrevieja desalination plant, which processes seawater from the Mediterranean. The remaining 30% comes from the Segura river basin and transferred water from other regions. This blend creates a unique mineral profile that differs from what most Northern European expats are used to.
Is bottled water better than filtered tap water?
Not necessarily. A properly installed reverse osmosis system produces water that is as pure as, or purer than, most bottled water. You also avoid the environmental impact of plastic bottles, the hassle of carrying them home from the supermarket, and the ongoing cost. A typical household in Torrevieja spends over 300 euros per year on bottled water, which is far more than the annual cost of maintaining a filtration system.
Our Products
Choosing the right system for your home
What is a reverse osmosis system?
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane with pores so small they filter out up to 99% of contaminants, including dissolved minerals, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. The result is exceptionally clean, great-tasting drinking water. An RO system typically fits under your kitchen sink and dispenses through a dedicated tap.
What does a whole house water filter do?
A whole house filter is installed at the point where water enters your property, meaning every tap, shower, and appliance receives filtered water. It removes sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants before the water reaches any outlet in your home. This protects your pipework, extends appliance life, and means you can drink from any tap in the house.
What is the difference between a water filter and a water softener?
A water filter removes contaminants like chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, and dissolved solids to improve taste and safety. A water softener specifically targets calcium and magnesium (the minerals that cause hardness) through an ion exchange process. Many homes benefit from having both: a softener to protect appliances and pipework from limescale, and a filter for drinking water quality.
Do I need a water softener as well as a filter?
On the Costa Blanca, very possibly yes. With water hardness of 40-50 fH, a softener makes a huge difference to your showers, skin, hair, and appliance longevity. A filter or RO system then handles the drinking water. Many of our customers opt for a combined solution. We will advise on the best setup for your specific situation.
Is an under-sink filter suitable for renters?
Absolutely. Our under-sink filters can be installed without making any permanent modifications to your rented property. They connect to the existing pipework with push-fit connectors and can be removed cleanly when you move out. Many landlords are perfectly happy for tenants to install them, especially since they improve the property's water quality.
How much space does a reverse osmosis system need?
A typical under-sink RO system requires roughly 40cm of width, 45cm of depth, and 50cm of height under your kitchen sink. This fits comfortably under most standard sinks alongside your existing pipework. If space is very tight, we have compact models available. We assess the space during the consultation so there are no surprises on installation day.
Do your systems remove fluoride?
Our reverse osmosis systems remove approximately 95-97% of fluoride from the water supply. The standard under-sink filters reduce fluoride by around 50-60%. If fluoride removal is a particular concern for you, let us know during the consultation and we can recommend the most appropriate system.
What brands do you supply?
We are an independent supplier, which means we are not tied to any single manufacturer. We carry systems from several leading brands including Ecoperla, Watergenius, and Bluefilters, among others. Because we are independent, we recommend the system that genuinely suits your water conditions, home layout, and budget rather than pushing whichever brand pays us the highest margin.
Installation
What to expect when we fit your system
How long does installation take?
Most installations take between 1 and 3 hours depending on the system. An under-sink filter or reverse osmosis system typically takes 1-2 hours. A whole house filter or water softener takes 2-3 hours. We always allocate extra time so we are never rushing. You can read our detailed installation process guide for a full breakdown of what happens on the day.
Will my water be turned off during installation?
Yes, but only briefly. We typically need to shut off the water supply for 15-30 minutes while we connect the system to your pipework. We plan this carefully and let you know before we turn anything off so you can fill a jug if needed. Most customers barely notice the interruption.
Do I need to prepare anything before installation?
Very little. For an under-sink system, please clear the items from under your kitchen sink so we have room to work. For a whole house system, ensure we have access to your water main entry point (usually in a utility room, garage, or outside meter box). That is about it. We bring all tools, parts, and materials needed.
Is installation messy?
No. We use professional push-fit connectors that do not require soldering or welding, which means no mess. We lay down protective coverings and clean up thoroughly before we leave. We treat your home with the same respect we would want in our own.
Do you install in apartments as well as villas?
Yes. We install in apartments, townhouses, villas, and commercial premises. Under-sink filters and reverse osmosis systems work perfectly in apartments. Whole house filters can be fitted in most apartment buildings too, subject to access to the water main. We have fitted systems in properties across Torrevieja ranging from studio apartments to large detached villas.
Can I use the system straight away after installation?
For under-sink filters, yes, you can use the water immediately. For reverse osmosis systems, we recommend discarding the first two tanks of water to flush the system through. We do the first flush during installation and explain everything clearly before we leave. You will typically be drinking your filtered water the same day.
What if I have a problem after installation?
Call us or send a WhatsApp and we will sort it out. All our installations come with a 2-year parts and labour warranty. We also follow up within a week of every installation to make sure everything is working perfectly. For ongoing support, we are just a phone call or message away.
Pricing & Warranty
Transparent pricing and comprehensive cover
How much does a water filter cost?
Under-sink filters start from around 150 euros including installation. Reverse osmosis systems range from 250 to 500 euros installed. Whole house filters start from 350 euros. Water softeners range from 400 to 800 euros installed. We always provide a fixed quote so there are no surprises. The quote includes the system, all parts, and full installation.
Are there any ongoing costs?
Yes, filter cartridges need replacing periodically. Under-sink filter cartridges typically last 6-12 months and cost 20-40 euros. RO membranes last 2-3 years and cost around 50-70 euros to replace. Pre-filters in RO systems need changing every 6-12 months. We send reminders when your filters are due and can carry out the replacement for you.
What warranty do you offer?
Every system we install comes with a full 2-year parts and labour warranty. This covers any defect in the system or any issue arising from the installation. We also honour the manufacturer warranties on individual components, which in some cases extend beyond our 2-year cover. If something goes wrong, we come back and sort it at no extra charge.
Do you offer finance or payment plans?
We accept payment by bank transfer and cash. For larger installations, we can discuss staged payments. We keep our pricing straightforward and competitive rather than inflating prices to offer "free" finance. The cost of most systems is recovered within a year or two through savings on bottled water and reduced appliance maintenance.
Will a water filter save me money?
In most cases, yes. The average household on the Costa Blanca spends between 300 and 500 euros per year on bottled water. A reverse osmosis system with annual filter changes costs significantly less. You also save on appliance repairs and replacement caused by limescale damage, cleaning products to remove limescale, and increased energy bills from scaled-up heating elements.
Do you price-match?
We offer fair, competitive pricing from the start rather than inflating prices so we can discount later. If you have received a genuine like-for-like quote from another company, we are happy to discuss it. Remember to compare the full package: quality of system, installation standards, warranty, and after-sales support, not just the headline price.
For Renters
Water filtration solutions that work for rented properties
Can I get a water filter installed if I rent my property?
Yes, absolutely. We have fitted systems in hundreds of rented properties across the Costa Blanca. Our under-sink filters use push-fit connectors that do not require any permanent modifications to the property. Most landlords are perfectly happy for tenants to install a water filter, as it improves the property's amenities.
Can I take the filter with me when I move out?
Yes. An under-sink filter or reverse osmosis system can be disconnected and removed cleanly. We can even help with the removal and reinstallation at your new property if it is within our service area. The push-fit connectors we use leave no damage to existing pipework.
Do I need landlord permission to install a water filter?
Technically, it depends on your tenancy agreement. However, because our under-sink systems do not make permanent modifications to the property, most landlords have no objection. We can provide a brief information sheet for your landlord explaining the system and that it can be removed without damage if required.
I am on a short-term let. Is a filter still worth it?
Even for a 6-month stay, an under-sink filter at around 150 euros works out cheaper than buying bottled water every week. It is also far more convenient. If you are staying 3 months or less, a countertop filter jug might be more appropriate, and we can advise on those too.
Do you install filters in holiday rental properties?
Yes, and we work with several property managers on the Costa Blanca who have us fit filters in their rental properties. Clean, great-tasting water is a real selling point for holiday lets and regularly gets mentioned in positive guest reviews. We can offer multi-property discounts for landlords and property managers.
Still Have Questions?
We are happy to answer any questions not covered here. Get in touch and we will get back to you promptly. No question is too small.