Drinking Water in Switzerland

The drinking water available in Switzerland meets extremely high quality standards. Around 80% comes from underground sources, the remaining 20% from lakes. Thanks to groundwater protection zones, almost two-thirds of Swiss tap water can be distributed without treatment. This means you can safely drink water directly from the tap in Switzerland – environmentally friendly and with a better ecological balance than mineral water.

Interesting educational videos from SRF can be found here.

Drinking water – Switzerland's most controlled foodstuff

Water quality is regularly checked and meets the highest standards in hygiene and safety. The WHO obliges Switzerland to disclose drinking water data every three years. The BLV and the BAFU are responsible, in cooperation with the cantons.

The report "Implementation of the Protocol on Water and Health in Switzerland" regularly provides information on water quality and current projects in the water and wastewater sector.

Drinking Water Ordinance: How quality is ensured

The federal Drinking Water Ordinance regulates quality requirements. Microorganisms, chemical residues, and foreign substances must not exceed certain limit values. Common contaminations are due to outdated or contaminated pipes in households – not the water suppliers.

Why tap water is the ideal thirst quencher

Swiss tap water is kept as natural as possible and only minimally treated.

Origin of water: spring water, groundwater, and lake water

In the Alpine region, drinking water usually comes from springs, where it is filtered through natural soil layers and absorbs minerals such as calcium carbonate or magnesium. Groundwater contributes to the variety of flavors. Lake water is treated in waterworks as it is exposed to urban and agricultural influences.

Swiss Tap Water: As valuable as mineral water

The mineral content varies depending on the origin. Many mineral waters do not contain more minerals than tap water. In addition, the body can only absorb a limited amount of minerals – so a high content does not necessarily bring an advantage.

★ On average, one liter of tap water in Switzerland costs only 0.2 rappen – cheaper and more ecological than any PET bottle.