Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Stockholm?
Yes, tap water in Stockholm is safe to drink and among the cleanest in the world. Stockholm Vatten och Avfall supplies the city from Lake Mälaren, treated at the Norsborg waterworks.
Water Source
Stockholm’s water comes from Lake Mälaren, one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, treated at the Norsborg waterworks. The Precambrian granite and gneiss geology contributes very few minerals.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant health concerns. Stockholm uses chloramine (not chlorine) for disinfection, which produces fewer byproducts and less taste impact. The water is among the cleanest municipal supplies in the world.
Water Quality Data
Key contaminants detected vs. regulatory limits. All values from the most recent published report — Source: Stockholm Vatten och Avfall 2024 Water Quality Report.
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (residual) | 0.2 mg/L | 5.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Fluoride | 0.18 mg/L | 1.5 mg/L | ✓ |
| Lead | 1.6 µg/L | 10.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| Nitrate (as NO₃) | 4.6 mg/L | 50.0 mg/L | ✓ |
✓ = below limit ⚠ = above health goal ✗ = exceeds guideline
Tips
- •Drink freely from any tap — there is absolutely no reason to buy bottled water in Stockholm
- •Stockholm uses chloramine instead of chlorine, so there is almost no disinfectant taste
- •The very soft water means soap and shampoo lather generously — use less product than usual
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
- •CDC Travelers' Health destination pages
- •The municipal water utility's published quality data