Water scarcity in Sweden
What do the warnings mean and what should you do?
Summer is not the only season when water scarcity can become a problem. In Sweden, low groundwater levels and weak water flow in watercourses can affect your water supply all year round – regardless of whether you are connected to municipal water or draw water from your own well.
But what exactly does a water scarcity risk warning mean, and what should you consider if one is issued in your area?
What is a water scarcity risk warning?
SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) and SGU (Geological Survey of Sweden) collaborate to produce water scarcity risk warnings. The warnings are issued per county and updated once a week. They are primarily sent to county administrative boards and other authorities, but the information is relevant to everyone – private individuals, farmers, and businesses.
A warning is issued when groundwater levels and water flows are unusually low and are expected to remain low for the next few weeks.
Water scarcity in watercourses – how the assessment works
When it comes to watercourses, SMHI compares current flows with historical data. A warning is issued if:
- The flow is expected to be below Q95 – meaning among the five percent lowest measured flows historically
- The probability of this is over 75 percent over a four-week period ahead
- It concerns a medium or large area with a catchment area of more than 200 km²
Some sensitive watercourses may also receive a warning if they are smaller in area, provided the county administrative board has assessed them as particularly vulnerable. Which watercourses this applies to is stated under each county's description.
Water scarcity in groundwater reservoirs – small and large differ
Groundwater is divided into large reservoirs (often connected to municipal water supply) and small reservoirs (usually connected to private wells and smaller properties). The two types are assessed separately, and the consequences differ depending on the type of reservoir affected.
A groundwater warning is issued when a significant part of the county has unusually low levels that are expected to persist for the coming months.
What the warnings mean for you – practical consequences
You have municipal water
If the warning concerns large groundwater reservoirs or watercourses, your municipality may introduce restrictions – for example, a ban on watering lawns or washing cars. Keep an eye on the municipality's own channels and be prepared to save water.
You have private well water
Low groundwater levels in small reservoirs can directly affect your well. It can become more difficult to pump up sufficient amounts of water, and in some cases, the water quality also deteriorates. In case of water scarcity, it is especially important to take a water sample to ensure that the quality remains within safe limits.
You draw water from a lake or watercourse
Businesses and households dependent on surface water should be aware that low water levels can limit how much water can be extracted. Lower flows can also affect the composition of substances in the water and thus the water quality.
Water scarcity affects more than just the tap
Regardless of the type of water scarcity, SMHI and SGU remind us that low water levels can have negative consequences for plant and animal life, both in nature and in agriculture. In other words, it's not just a matter of household water – it's about a broader ecosystem that we all depend on.
Do you have questions about water scarcity?
- Questions about watercourses and flows are answered by SMHI
- Questions about groundwater reservoirs are answered by SGU
Take a water sample – especially at low groundwater levels
If groundwater levels in your area are low, or if you notice that your water smells, tastes, or looks different – take a water sample. It is the only way to be sure that the drinking water is of the correct quality.
On svensktvattenprov.se, you can easily order a water sample and receive a clear analysis result showing what is actually in your water.