Swedish water quality

Skåne is Sweden's most agriculturally intensive region, which significantly impacts groundwater quality. The county is dominated by clay soils and limestone-rich bedrock. Approximately 15-20% of Skåne residents rely on private wells, mainly in rural areas.

Most common problems

• Nitrate from agriculture – The biggest problem in Skåne. Intensive farming with manure and artificial fertilizers leads to elevated nitrate levels in groundwater. Shallow wells are particularly vulnerable.
• Bacteria – 44% of wells affected by bacteria (2015-2019), making Skåne one of the most bacteria-affected counties. Most common are E. coli and coliform bacteria.
• Hard water – The limestone-rich bedrock results in high levels of calcium and magnesium, causing lime deposits.
• Pesticides – Residues from agricultural chemicals can be found in shallow wells near farmland.
• Saltwater intrusion – In coastal areas, especially along the south coast.

Recommendation: Test regularly for nitrate and bacteria, at least once a year if you live near agricultural land. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters between the well and sewage or manure heaps. Order water analysis here.

Blekinge is located in southeastern Sweden with coastal areas, forests, and agricultural land. Both granitic bedrock and sedimentary rocks are present.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – A significant problem in coastal areas and on islands. Risk of relict salt from ancient seas and intrusion from the Baltic Sea. On some islands, up to 30-40% of wells are salt-affected.
• Acidic water (low pH) – In forested areas, the water can be acidic, which can corrode copper pipes and leach out metals. The solution is to install a pH increaser.
• Iron and manganese – Very common in drilled wells, causing discoloration and metallic taste. The solution is iron and manganese filters.
• Water scarcity – Thin soil layers and limited groundwater formation make the area susceptible to drought.

Recommendation: In coastal areas, you should monitor chloride levels. In forested areas, pH control is important. Order water analysis here.

Halland stretches along the west coast with varying geology – both sedimentary layers, ancient rock, and clay soils.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – Primarily in coastal areas with low groundwater levels.
• Iron and manganese – Common in both dug and drilled wells.
• Nitrate – In agricultural areas, especially in the plains of Laholm and Halmstad.
• Bacterial contamination – Risk in dug wells and wells near sewage.

Recommendation: Well owners in Halland should be aware of seasonal variations in water quality, especially after periods of heavy rainfall or drought. Test your water here.

Kronoberg in Småland is a forest-rich county with many lakes and watercourses. Granitic bedrock dominates, and the soil is often barren and acidic.

Most common problems

• Acidic water – The granitic bedrock and forest land often result in low pH, which can corrode copper pipes and leach out metals.
• Iron and manganese – Very common in drilled wells.
• Color and turbidity – Humic substances from forest land give brown-colored water.
• Radon – Can occur in drilled wells in granite areas.

Recommendation: If you have acidic water, a pH adjustment can prevent corrosion problems. Also test for radon. Order analysis here.

Kalmar County includes Öland. The county has varying geology from the mainland's granitic bedrock to Öland's limestone plateau.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – A major problem on Öland and in the archipelago. The risk increases with drought and over-extraction.
• Hard water – Öland's limestone bedrock results in very hard water with extensive lime deposits.
• Water scarcity – Öland has thin soil layers and limited groundwater formation, making the island susceptible to drought.
• Iron and manganese – Common on the mainland in drilled wells.

Recommendation: On Öland, it is critical not to drill too deep and to use "soft extraction" to minimize the risk of saltwater upwelling. Regular monitoring of chloride levels is necessary. Test your water here.

Gotland is unique with its limestone bedrock and special hydrogeology. Approximately 40% of the population has a private well, which is the highest in Sweden. The island has limited freshwater resources and is particularly sensitive to drought.

Most common problems

• Relict salt and saltwater intrusion – The biggest problem. 20-25% of wells on Gotland are salt-affected. The saltwater layer is 15-60 meters deep under the entire island.
• Very hard water – The limestone results in extremely hard water with extensive lime deposits.
• Nitrate and ammonium – From agriculture and sewage. The combination of agriculture and sensitive groundwater is problematic.
• Water scarcity – Chronic challenge, especially during dry summers. Thin soil layers and low storage capacity.
• Bacteria – Almost 30% of wells have bacterial contamination.

Recommendation: On Gotland, it is mandatory to report drilling a new well. The well driller must measure salinity during drilling. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from agricultural land and sewage. If your well is salt-affected, it may need to be "root-filled" in the lower part. Order water analysis here.

Jönköping is located in Småland's forested region and around Lake Vättern. Granitic bedrock dominates with elements of sedimentary rocks.

Most common problems

• Acidic water – Common in forested areas, can corrode copper pipes.
• Iron and manganese – Very common in drilled wells.
• Humic substances – Give brown-colored water in areas with bog and forest land.
• Radon – Can occur in granite areas.

Recommendation: Similar to Kronoberg – focus on pH control and metal levels. Order analysis here.

Östergötland stretches from the plains around Linköping and Norrköping to the forest regions of Kolmården in the north. Approximately 10-15% of residents have a private well. The microbiological quality has significantly improved in the last 10-15 years, but chemical problems persist.

Most common problems

• Fluoride – Naturally high levels in some bedrock, especially in limestone-rich and granitic areas. Can be harmful to children's dental development.
• Iron and manganese – Very common in dug wells on clayey soil.
• Acidic water – In the Kolmården region and northern parts of the county, can corrode copper pipes.
• Nitrate – In shallow wells near agricultural land, but dense clay soils inhibit infiltration.
• PFAS – Elevated levels near old fire training grounds, especially around Norrköping.

Positive: Bacterial levels have decreased from 40% affected wells (2007-2011) to 28% (2015-2019) thanks to improved well constructions.

Recommendation: Test specifically for fluoride if you have small children. Only 20-24% of wells in the county are entirely suitable without remarks. Order water analysis here.

Sweden's second-largest county with great geographical variation – from the west coast and Gothenburg to the Lake Vänern archipelago and Dalsland's forests. Both large groundwater reservoirs and small ones occur.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – In coastal areas, especially at low groundwater levels.
• Iron and manganese – Common throughout the county.
• Water scarcity – Risk in some parts during dry periods, especially in areas with small groundwater reservoirs.
• Bacteria – Varies between different parts of the county.

Recommendation: Great variation within the county – contact local authorities for area-specific information. Order water analysis here.

Stockholm County is dominated by drilled wells (rocky terrain). Approximately 10-15% of the county's inhabitants have a private well, mainly in the archipelago and rural areas.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – Especially in the archipelago and coastal areas. Risk of both Baltic Sea water and relict salt.
• Iron and manganese – Very common in drilled wells.
• Radon – Occurs in granitic areas in the archipelago and some parts of the mainland.
• Environmental toxins and PFAS – Industrial areas, old contaminated sites, and contaminated fill materials can locally affect groundwater.
• Stormwater impact – In areas near urban development.

Recommendation: In the Stockholm archipelago, salt control is critical. Near contaminated areas, extended water analysis should be performed.

Uppsala County has two large esker formations, Uppsalaåsen and Enköpingsåsen, which are used for municipal water supply. Approximately 18% of the population has a private well. The county generally has good water quality, and about 75% of wells are drilled.

Most common problems

• Fluoride – Naturally high levels in some bedrock.
• Saltwater intrusion – In coastal areas when the groundwater table drops below sea level. Also relict salt from ancient seas.
• Iron and manganese – In drilled wells.
• Chloride from road salting – Can occur near major roads.

Positive: Chemical water quality is improving – only 5% unsuitable (2015-2019) compared to 13% (2007-2011).

Recommendation: Uppsala County has relatively good water quality, but coastal areas should carefully monitor salinity levels. Order water analysis here.

Södermanland is located in Mälardalen with a mixture of agriculture, forest, and urban development.

Most common problems

• Iron and manganese – Common in both dug and drilled wells.
• Bacteria – Risk especially in dug wells and after periods of high groundwater levels.
• Acidic water – In forested areas.
• Water scarcity – Risk during dry periods in areas with small groundwater reservoirs.

Recommendation: In spring 2025, there has been unusually little precipitation, which has affected groundwater levels in Södermanland. Well owners should be aware of water levels and quality. Order water analysis here.

Västmanland has an industrial history and varied geology. The county is affected by both agriculture and historical industrial activity.

Most common problems

• Metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) – Can occur locally, especially near old industrial areas and mining operations.
• Iron and manganese – Common problem.
• Uranium – Elevated levels have been observed in some municipalities such as Eskilstuna and Köping.
• Bacteria – In dug wells and wells with poor construction.

Recommendation: In Västmanland, it is important to test for heavy metals, especially arsenic, lead, and uranium. Order water analysis here.

Örebro County is rich in lakes and watercourses, with water flowing to Hjälmaren, Vättern, Mälaren, and Vänern. Most of the county consists of forested areas.

Most common problems

• Radon – Örebro County stands out with higher radon problems than many other parts of the country. Especially in drilled wells in granite areas.
• Iron and fluoride – High iron levels and in drilled wells also high fluoride levels from the bedrock.
• Low pH – In shallow wells in soil, especially in forested areas.
• Turbidity and color – In areas near bogland and humus-rich forests.

Recommendation: Radon measurement is particularly important in Örebro County. 74% of wells have water deemed suitable with remarks. Order water analysis here.

Värmland is a forest-rich county with many lakes, including parts of Lake Vänern. Granitic bedrock dominates with thin soil layers.

Most common problems

• Acidic water – Very common in forested areas.
• Iron and manganese – In both dug and drilled wells.
• Humic substances – Give brown-colored water.
• Radon – Can occur in granite areas.

Positive: Värmland does not exceed the limit values for arsenic and cadmium in any water samples according to the latest investigations.

Recommendation: Focus on pH adjustment and iron filtration. Order water analysis here.

Dalarna stretches from the plains around Falun up to the mountain regions in the northwest. The county has great variation in geology and climate. Many residents of Dalarna, especially in rural and mountain areas, rely on private wells.

Most common problems

• Iron and manganese – Very common in drilled wells.
• Acidic water – In forested areas, can corrode copper pipes.
• Radon – Can occur in granite areas.
• Limited water supply – In mountain areas, groundwater availability can be limited.

Recommendation: In mountainous areas, you may need to combine a well with surface water extraction or rainwater harvesting. Order water analysis here.

Gävleborg stretches from the Bothnian Sea coast through forested areas up towards the mountains. The county includes Gästrikland and most of Hälsingland. Varying geology with both coastal areas, forest land, and mountainous regions.

Most common problems

• Saltwater intrusion – In coastal areas.
• Iron and manganese – Common throughout the county.
• Acidic water – In forested areas.
• Environmental toxins – Locally from industrial activities, including dioxins in certain coastal areas.

Recommendation: Coastal areas should test for salt, inland areas for iron and pH. Order water analysis here.

Västernorrland stretches along the Norrland coast with extensive forest and mountain areas inland. The county has both dug wells (more common in Norrland) and drilled wells.

Most common problems

• Iron and manganese – Very common problem.
• Acidic water – In forested areas.
• Bacteria – Especially in dug wells.
• Saltwater intrusion – In coastal areas.

Recommendation: Dug wells in Västernorrland require extra attention to tight covers and protection against surface water intrusion. Order water analysis here.

Jämtland is a sparsely populated county with large mountain areas and forests. More than a third of the population lives in rural areas, making Jämtland Sweden's second-largest rural region after Gotland. Many rely on private wells.

Most common problems

• Iron and manganese – Common in drilled wells.
• Acidic water – In forest and mountain areas.
• Limited water supply – In some mountain areas, groundwater availability can be low.
• Bacteria – Risk in dug wells.

Recommendation: In mountain areas, you may need to supplement with surface water extraction or a rainwater cistern. Test regularly for bacteria. Order water analysis here.

Västerbotten stretches from the coast of the Bothnian Sea to the mountain regions in the west. The county generally has good water quality with low background levels of environmental toxins, but local problems exist. Nearly 350 groundwater bodies in the county are assessed to have good status.

Most common problems

• Radon – Occurs particularly in areas with uranium-rich bedrock. Västerbotten and Norrbotten have higher radon levels than many other parts of Sweden.
• Iron and manganese – Common in drilled wells.
• Acidic water – In forested areas.
• Sulphide-rich soils – Along the coast, sulphide-rich soils can leak metals when exposed to oxygen.
• Eutrophication – Local problems in some lakes with algal blooms.

Recommendation: Radon measurement is particularly important in Västerbotten. The positive trend for the environmental objective "Good quality groundwater" has stalled. Order water analysis here.

Norrbotten is Sweden's northernmost and largest county by area. The county stretches from the Bothnian Sea coast to Kebnekaise and the national border with Norway. Large parts are sparsely populated with significant mining activity. Many rely on private wells, especially in rural areas.

Most common problems

• Radon – Can occur in uranium-rich rock areas.
• Iron and manganese – Very common.
• Acidic water – In forest and mountain areas.
• Metals from mining activity – Locally, heavy metals from mining can affect groundwater.
• Bacteria – In dug wells.

Recommendation: In areas near mining activity, extended water analysis should be performed, including testing for heavy metals. Radon measurement is recommended in drilled wells.