Swedish survey drinking water leakage

Most of the major drinking water suppliers in Sweden are working to reduce water leakage. This is the outcome of a survey conducted by the Swedish National Food Agency. The purpose of the survey was to obtain data on water leakage in the distribution networks in preparation for upcoming EU negotiations and future reporting on water leakage. Leakage levels must be reported to the European Commission by 12 January 2026.

In 2024 the Swedish Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure commissioned the Swedish National Food Agency to review the requirements of the EU’s new Drinking Water Directive. Member States have to assess water leakage levels and evaluate the potential for reduced leakage. The assessment must include at least water suppliers that provide at least 10,000 cubic meters per day or serve at least 50,000 people.

Swedish survey identifies challenges

The questions in the survey aimed to identify challenges related to water leakage in the distribution network. Among other things, the survey asked which method is used to calculate leakage, whether the organization has goals or key figures to reduce water losses, and what measures are being taken to achieve these goals. It also asked what priorities are being set for investments to address detected leaks, announced the Swedish National Food Agency announced in a press release.

Reduce water loss

According to the Swedish Food Agency, responses were received from 31 municipal water and sanitation organizations. It is not clear how many drinking water companies were approached for the survey. A majority of the 31 municipal water supply organizations that responded state that they are working on leak detection and reinvestments in the pipeline network, usually through water distribution zones and the installation of flow meters for better monitoring. 74 percent of respondents reported they have set goals or key figures to reduce water losses. Many also have concrete percentage targets.

Technical and environmental problems

The aging infrastructure is mentioned as a technical challenge and respondents noted that it is difficult to carry out repairs in densely populated areas. Investments in the pipeline network are prioritized primarily based on whether they are main or secondary pipelines and the type and age of the pipeline material and service pipelines. However, the renewal rate of the pipeline network is low and to continue developing the work, both financial and human resources are required.

High investments needed

The economic conditions are generally mentioned as a challenge. Leak detection and repair, personnel and restoration work require significant investment and operating costs. The main public health-related challenges with water leakage raised in the responses are the risk of microbiological contamination, low pressure in the plumbing system, and the spread of waterborne diseases in connection with leaks and repairs. Water leakage is also reported to have several environmental consequences, such as increased extraction of raw water, increased use of chemicals, higher energy consumption and greater climate impact due to more extensive water treatment.

Water leakages in Sweden

Member States’ national assessments form the basis for a threshold for water leakage that the Commission will develop by 12 January 2028. Member States that exceed the threshold must develop an action plan on how leakage levels can be reduced. “I really want to thank everyone who responded. Their input has given the Swedish National Food Agency a broader and more detailed picture of how water leakage is handled in Sweden. The results help strengthen Sweden’s position in EU negotiations and prepare us for future reporting”, says Nurun Nahar, who is participating in the negotiations. The Swedish National Food Agency’s work is carried out in collaboration with the Swedish industry organization Svenskt Vatten.

Adoption of a threshold on leakage rates

Across the European Union as a whole water leakage is being tackled under the revised European Drinking Water Directive, which came into force in January 2021. It states that with the improvement of monitoring techniques, leakage rates have become increasingly apparent. Water leakage levels should be assessed by all Member States and reduced if they are above a certain threshold. By early 2028, the Commission will have adopted a threshold for leakage rates.

This article was published first on the Swedish platform for water professionals cirkulation.se