Water Analysis Lucerne

Drinking water is our most important food – not only for drinking, but also for cooking, hygiene, and industrial use. To highlight the importance of clean water, the United Nations declared March 22 World Water Day. While Switzerland enjoys secure water resources, around 748 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water.

Continuous Quality Control Ensures Supply

Lucerne’s water supply by Energie Wasser Luzern (EWL) is continuously monitored: over 2 200 drinking water samples per year and numerous sensors guarantee quality. Analyses are carried out by the city’s Food Control and Consumer Protection department.

Healthy Drinking Pleasure in Lucerne

• Continuous monitoring at over 100 sampling points.
• The EWL control centre is staffed 24/7 and oversees all facilities.
• Even if individual components fail (lake, spring, or groundwater), supply remains secured.
• The historic Lucerne fountain network, fed from Pilatus, guarantees basic supply even during power outages.

Origin and Composition of Lucerne’s Water

The water comes from Lake Lucerne, springs on the north slope of Pilatus, and groundwater from the Kleine Emme. Hardness typically ranges between 15 and 25 °fH (moderately hard). This is important for correct dosing of detergents and cleaning agents.

Water Hardness Influences Taste and Composition

As water percolates through the soil, it absorbs minerals such as magnesium and calcium – crucial for taste and hardness. Hardness is measured in French degrees (°fH). Lake water is particularly soft (around 11 °fH), while spring and groundwater can be harder (up to 20 °fH) depending on their mix.

Where Does Your Lucerne Water Come From?

The interactive EWL map shows for each district whether water is sourced from the lake, springs, mixed sources, or from Kriens/Littauer Berg.

• Lake water (soft, approx. 11 °fH)
• Mixed water (15–20 °fH)
• Spring water (varies by source)

What Quality Reaches You?

EWL guarantees top water quality – but only up to the house connection. Old pipes, fixtures, or insufficient maintenance can compromise water quality inside the building. Heavy metals like lead, nickel, or copper may leach into the water.

With a drinking water test kit, you can easily check what actually comes from your tap.

• Water Quality in Lucerne (EWL)
• Information for Private Customers