Tap Water in Switzerland: Quality and Controls

Tap water is one of the most controlled foodstuffs in Switzerland. Nevertheless, it repeatedly comes under fire – most recently, for instance, due to the pesticide chlorothalonil. This was classified by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) as "probably carcinogenic" – but only after it had already been detected in groundwater. Such cases show that new risks can emerge – but the controls are comprehensive and reliable.

Overall, it can be said: Swiss tap water can be drunk without hesitation. The quality standards and monitoring measures are exemplary internationally.

Which regulations apply to Swiss tap water?

Drinking water is a natural product. Its composition largely depends on the origin of the raw water – which is why particular attention is paid to the protection of groundwater and surface waters.

Switzerland adheres to national regulations but also follows EU guidelines. The basis includes:

• Ordinance of the FDHA on Drinking Water (TBDV)
• Food and Utility Articles Ordinance (LGV)

Implementation is carried out by cantonal water suppliers, who must maintain a quality assurance system.

Which minerals does tap water contain?

Tap water contains valuable natural minerals – they support the body and come directly from the source:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Chlorite
• Sulfate
• Carbonate

Which pollutants can be contained?

Trace substances in tap water are normal – even mineral water is not free of them. In very low concentrations, they are not harmful to health:

• Metals (e.g., lead, copper, nickel)
• Germs (e.g., E. coli, enterococci)
• Nitrate and Nitrite
• Pesticide residues
• Drug residues
• Microplastics

Thanks to modern measurement technology and regular analyses, concentrations remain below the applicable limit values.

Limit values for tap water in Switzerland

• Aluminum: 0.2 mg/L
• Ammonium: 0.5 mg/L
• Lead: 0.01 mg/L
• Cadmium: 0.005 mg/L
• Chromium: 0.05 mg/L
• Enterococci: 0 mg/L
• E. coli: 0 mg/L
• Copper: 2 mg/L
• Nickel: 0.02 mg/L
• Nitrate: 50 mg/L

How is water quality ensured?

Over 2,500 water suppliers deliver to households. Modern laboratories analyze the water down to the nanogram range – allowing even tiny residues to be detected.

✪ The detection limit has been lowered – not the quality. What used to remain undetected is now visible – and can be treated more precisely.

In exceptional cases – such as floods or algal blooms – temporary problems may occur. In such cases, suppliers inform the public promptly.

Tip: If you want to be on the safe side, you can have a water analysis carried out for your own household. This allows you to detect possible heavy metal contamination or pipe problems early on.