Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Sweden?
Yes, tap water in Sweden is safe to drink nationwide, including Stockholm, and is subject to strict national quality standards overseen by Livsmedelsverket (the National Food Agency).
Water Source
Swedish cities draw from a mix of lakes, groundwater, and rivers, with Stockholm sourced largely from Lake Mälaren, treated to strict national standards.
Contaminants & Concerns
No significant nationwide concerns; some southern regions have had localized PFAS monitoring near certain industrial and firefighting-foam sites, addressed through targeted treatment upgrades.
Regional Variations
Safe in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and throughout the country.
Water Hardness
Soft to moderate, roughly 50–100 mg/L in Stockholm; varies by region..
Do Locals Drink Tap Water?
Yes, tap water is standard throughout Swedish households.
Tips for Travelers
- •Stockholm tap water is safe and pleasant tasting
- •No need to buy bottled water anywhere in Sweden
- •Public drinking fountains in cities are safe to use
Recommended Precautions
No special precautions needed for typical travelers
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
- •WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP)
- •National and municipal water utility public quality reports