Water shortage and drought

Prepare for a water shortage

Drinking water is needed for both drinking and cooking. Make sure you always have bottled water at home. You can fill up containers with drinking water yourself or buy bottled water from a store. Estimate that you will need at least three to five litres per person per day.

Pay attention to the water situation

A municipality may implement watering restrictions or urge people to use water sparingly. Check your local municipality's website to see if there are any watering restrictions in your area. You should also keep track of the current water situation via SMHI’s warnings and advisories on water shortage.

SMHI’s warnings and advisories on water shortages 

If you have your own well

If you have your own well, you are responsible for ensuring that your drinking water has good quality and is safe to drink. You must therefore have your drinking water tested at least every three years – and in some cases, every year. You are also responsible for having your own plan in case of a temporary water shortage, for example due to drought or a power cut.

If there is a water shortage

Small changes in everyday life can make a big difference. Use water wisely!

Saving water in the household

• Take a shower instead of a bath.
• Take shorter showers than usual and turn off the tap whilst you apply soap.
• Turn off the tap whilst you brush your teeth.
• Avoid doing the dishes under a running tap.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you have cold water ready, instead of running the tap until the water turns cold.
• Repair any unnecessary leaks and dripping taps. Over time, many cubic metres of water can go to waste.

Save water in the garden

• Collect rainwater to water your plants with; avoid watering with drinking water.
• Water your plants in the evening when it’s a bit cooler.
• Avoid using sprinklers. Water with a watering can or hose instead.
• Place pots with sensitive plants in shady spots during sunny days.
• Use mulch to reduce water evaporation from the soil.
• If you have a swimming pool or hot tub – order a water tanker to fill it up.

If you have your own well

If there is little or no water coming, there may be various reasons for this depending on the type of drinking water system you have. For systems that use groundwater, it´s a good idea to measure the water levels regularly and monitor the water situation on the SGU website.

Maps showing current groundwater levels from the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU)

In the event of a boiling recommendation

When there is a possibility that the tap water contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that could make you ill, your municipality may issue a boiling recommendation. In that case, you should:

• Boil all water intended for drinking or cooking.
• Boil the water until it bubbles vigorously. This kills bacteria, viruses and parasites.
• Store the boiled water in thoroughly cleaned pitchers, bottles or other containers and store it at room temperature or cooler.

If there is a shortage of fresh drinking water, the municipality may provide water tanks. Contact your municipality to find out where.