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Can you drink tap water in Stockholm?

Where Stockholm's tap water comes from, how it is treated and checked, and why hot tap water is not for drinking.

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Short answer

Yes, you can drink the cold tap water in Stockholm, which comes from Lake Mälaren and is treated at the Norsborg and Lovö plants. Stockholm Vatten och Avfall calls the water tjänligt, the highest grade drinking water can get under Livsmedelsverket's requirements, and says it takes samples regularly.

Stockholm Illustration of a water bottle, a luggage locker, a toilet sign and a clock

Why

  1. According to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, the drinking water is taken from Mälaren, which has even and high quality.
  2. According to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, treatment takes about twelve hours and includes UV disinfection, and samples are taken regularly in the network and at customers' premises.
  3. According to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, tjänligt is the highest grade drinking water can get under the requirements of Livsmedelsverket, the Swedish Food Agency.

Details

The Norsborg and Lovö plants together supply about 1.6 million people. The utility says there is no reason for extra treatment of municipal water, since bacteria can grow in filters, and that it supplies only cold water. For a city overview see Stockholm, and for costs see is Stockholm expensive.

Tip

Fill a bottle from the cold tap. If the water has stood in the pipes, for example after you have been away, you may need to run it for 5–10 minutes, according to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall.

What may differ

Hot water from the tap is not for drinking: according to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, hot water is not a foodstuff and should never be used for cooking or drinks. In an apartment building the property owner is responsible for the hot water.

Common misconception

Stockholm's tap water needs a filter.

What actually happens

According to Stockholm Vatten och Avfall, there is no reason for extra treatment of municipal water, and bacteria can grow in filters.

People also ask

  • Is tap water safe to drink in Stockholm?
  • Can I drink tap water in Stockholm?
  • Is Stockholm tap water drinkable?

Sources

Information checked on 28 October 2026.

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