Is tap water in Sweden safe to drink? A traveller's guide

This is intended to serve as a general guide. Always check with official sources for the latest government and health advice.

Opting for tap water is often the most eco-friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated while traveling. But when you're in a new country, knowing if the tap water is safe is crucial to avoid any unexpected health risks. If you're headed to Sweden, you're likely wondering: is its tap water safe to drink?

The quick answer is yes. This guide will clearly explain why Sweden’s tap water is safe, and detail its quality to help you prepare for your trip. We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a useful travel companion to help you save on spending during your time there.

Is tap water safe to drink in Sweden?

Yes, tap water in Sweden is generally safe to drink directly from the tap according to the Swedish National Food Agency.¹ The quality is regulated by the Swedish National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket)¹ and transposes the EU Drinking Water Directive into Swedish legislation.² This ensures the water meets stringent quality requirements.

While some residents may still choose bottled water or filters, this is typically for personal taste or preference rather than a concern about safety. As a practical tip, always check if your specific tap is safe for drinking. Although the public water supply is reliable, older building plumbing or other disruptions could affect the water quality.

Understanding Sweden's water quality

The primary official government authorities responsible for tap water quality and regulation include the Swedish National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket),² which sets the national rules, and municipalities, which are responsible for local regulatory control. In cases of crisis or waterborne outbreaks, the Swedish National Food Agency also has a national water disaster group (VAKA) to assist municipalities.⁴

The legal framework is defined by the Swedish National Food Agency's regulations on drinking water, LIVSFS 2022:12. These regulations adapt the EU's new drinking water directive and set quality standards for a wide range of parameters, including new limits for substances like PFAS and lead.⁵

Sources of Sweden's tap water

In Sweden, the municipal water supply comes from a mix of sources: approximately half from surface water in lakes and rivers, a quarter from groundwater, and the rest from groundwater that is reinforced by the infiltration of surface water.⁴ These sources undergo comprehensive treatment to ensure safety and quality. The water is rigorously monitored, with continuous quality checks being performed around the clock in waterworks.

Mineral content and taste of Sweden's tap water

In Sweden, the hardness and mineral composition of tap water vary by region due to geological differences. Areas underlain by calcareous or limestone-rich substrates, such as parts of Skåne, Uppland, Jämtland, Västerbotten, Gotland, and Öland, tend to have semi-hard to hard water, while regions with fewer soluble minerals often experience softer water. Approximately 20% of Sweden’s land area displays these higher hardness levels.⁶

The general taste profile is described as clean, fresh, and natural due to minimal treatment in many areas. A chlorine taste is rarely noticeable, although water utilities add a small amount of chlorine as a disinfectant to ensure safety in the distribution network.

Heading to Sweden? Maximise your SEK spending with the Wise Card

Staying hydrated is key to a great trip, and so is managing your travel budget wisely in Sweden. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally, be it on bottled water, food or shopping. You can spend in 150+ countries, including Sweden, at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're in Sweden. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to SEK. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

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FAQs

Do I need to boil tap water in Sweden to make it safe?

Boiling tap water in Sweden is not necessary, as it is generally safe to drink. However, if the municipality issues a warning due to a suspected contamination, boiling the water is recommended.¹

How does the taste and quality of tap water differ within Sweden?

The taste and quality of water can vary by region depending on the source and mineral content. Some water is naturally soft, while other areas have harder water, which can influence the taste.⁶

Is the ice served in restaurants and bars in Sweden safe to consume?

Yes, the ice served in restaurants and bars is generally safe to consume, as it is made from the public water supply, which is deemed safe to drink.¹

Why do some people in Sweden use water filters if the tap water is safe?

Some people in Sweden use water filters primarily for personal taste preference or to remove minor impurities, although the public water supply is of high quality and safe to drink without additional filtration.