Lower limit value for fluoride in drinking water
New guideline value for fluoride in well water 2026 – what you need to know as a well owner
As of February 1, 2026, a new, stricter limit for fluoride in water will be introduced for those with a private well. The National Food Agency is lowering the previous limit from 6 milligrams per liter for water to be considered unfit for consumption, with a remark at 1.3 milligrams, to water being deemed unfit directly at 1.5 milligrams per liter – the same level that applies to municipal drinking water. The change comes after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated the health effects of fluoride in 2025.
Why is the guideline value being lowered now?
The decision to tighten the guideline value is based on new scientific research compiled by EFSA in the summer of 2025. The major change in the assessment is that fetuses and pregnant women are now considered to be among the group most sensitive to fluoride. Previously, infants and young children were primarily considered most vulnerable.
Vendela Roos, a toxicologist at the National Food Agency, explains that fluoride is a naturally occurring element in bedrock, which means it is also found in groundwater. In some parts of Sweden, levels are naturally high, which can affect well water in these areas. For those living in areas with fluoride-rich bedrock, this new information becomes particularly important to heed.
What does the change mean in practice?
For those with municipal water, nothing changes – the limit of 1.5 milligrams per liter has been in place for some time due to EU legislation. But for you as a well owner, the new guideline value means you should be more attentive to fluoride levels in your water, especially if there are pregnant women or young children in the household.
It is important to understand the difference between limit values and guideline values. Limit values are legally binding requirements that apply to municipal water suppliers, while guideline values serve as guidance for private well owners. Guideline values help you assess whether your water is of good quality, but ultimately it is your own responsibility as a well owner to ensure the suitability of the water.
How do I know if my well water contains too much fluoride?
The only way to determine the fluoride level is to test the water. The National Food Agency has long recommended that well owners test their water at least every three years. If there are children under five years old in the household, testing should be done annually. With the new guideline value, this recommendation becomes even more important to follow, especially for households with pregnant women or planned pregnancies.
When you analyze your well water and the results show levels below 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, you can rest assured – your water is then considered fit for consumption. If the levels are above the new guideline value, you should consider measures, which may include everything from installing water filters to alternative water sources for drinking water.
Fluoride in a broader perspective
Fluoride is not only something found in drinking water. We ingest fluoride from several different sources – tea and mineral water often naturally contain fluoride, and through dental care products that are swallowed, we also ingest small amounts. Therefore, the total exposure is important to keep in mind.
In most parts of Sweden, fluoride levels in municipal drinking water are significantly below the limit of 1.5 milligrams per liter. But for you with a private well, the situation may be different depending on where you live. Therefore, regular testing is the best way to monitor your drinking water.
As a well owner, you have the full responsibility for ensuring that your water is safe to drink and that there is enough water for the household's needs. The new guideline value for fluoride is another reason to take this responsibility seriously and ensure that you have updated knowledge about the quality of your well water.