Drinking Water
In Sweden we are very fortunate to have water of world-class quality. The water which is taken from water courses or lakes, and purified for household use is called drinking water. This is the water you get when you turn on the tap at home. Drinking water is regulated as a food product, so the quality has to meet very high standards. This is in fact our most controlled type of food.
A CHEAP DRINK THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Tap water is wholesome, cheap and friendly to the environment. One litre of table-water costs the same as one thousand litres of tap water — and the table water you have to carry home yourself! Tap water doesn't have as much impact on the environment as bottled water. Bottled water also has to be transported from the producer to the retailers.
As the end consumer you only pay a couple of öre a litre for your drinking water, according to VA SYD’s rates.
Don’t confuse taxes with the water rates — water supply and sewer is not financed through taxes.
SAVE HOT WATER, NOT COLD WATER
Not wasting hot water will save a lot of energy. But there is no need to be overly stingy with the cold water. For example, it's a good idea to let the cold water run for a while in the morning until it's cool and tastes good. This gives you the best water quality!
SPICE UP YOUR WATER
Your water will taste even better if you fill a jug and put it in the fridge. Or season the water with thin lemon peels or lemon balm, slices of orange, lime or cucumber.
Frozen raspberries or strawberries both flavour the water and delight the eye. Experiment with flavours and find your own favourite!
Do you like bubbles? Make your own carbonated water with a carbonator!
ONE PERSON USES 180 LITRES EVERY DAY
The average household consumption of drinking water in Sweden is roughly 180 litres per person and day. The household water is mostly used for:
• 65 litres for personal hygiene
• 35 litres for toilet water use
• 35 litres for dishwashing
• 25 litres for laundry
• 10 litres for food and drink
• 10 litres for other use