How is the Water Supply in the Canton of Zurich Ensured?

Forty percent of the canton of Zurich is supplied with water from Lake Zurich. The region has a rich groundwater reservoir, so there are hardly any shortages in the drinking water supply of the area. Furthermore, the municipal infrastructures are well interconnected, so that in the event of regional shortages, supra-regional suppliers can step in. 95 percent of the population is connected to the water supply. The water supply in the Zurich region has several pillars. If one fails, another takes over. The pipeline system is of high quality and is constantly maintained, so it is stable and intact over long distances.
Should you have any questions about the supply, the Office for Waste, Water, Energy, and Air, Water Protection Department in Zurich is at your disposal.

This is how the water quality is tested in the canton of Zurich

The Health Directorate is responsible for testing the water in the canton of Zurich. The laboratory examines the origin and changes of the cantonal water. The chemical analysis provides information on the contamination with foreign substances. These can include heavy metals and other corrosion parameters, organic trace substances, or nitrates. Routine checks are carried out on water hardness and the nitrate, sulfate, or chloride content. The focus is on groundwater sources and lake water plants, which are tested for organic residues (pesticides) or heavy metals.

The health of the population in the canton is paramount. Therefore, there is close cooperation with the Water Protection Laboratory of the AWEL of the Building Department. In addition, the Cantonal Laboratory Zurich is also responsible for the quality of the water in the baths. Only through regular testing of the water in the canton of Zurich can good water quality be ensured. The AWEL, Water Protection Department, Surface Water Protection Section is responsible for the water quality of the region's lakes. These include

• Lake Hüttner,
• Lake Zurich,
• Lake Greifen,
• Lake Türler, as well as six selected small lakes.

The water quality in the canton of Zurich is checked every two years on a monthly basis. Compliance with quality criteria according to the Water Protection Ordinance (GSchV) is monitored.

What is the water hardness of drinking water in the canton of Zurich?

Glass of water Water hardness affects the taste of water. In addition, high hardness levels can lead to deposits in household installations, which influence the amount of cleaning agents needed. The decisive factor is the amount of dissolved magnesium and calcium ions.

In the Swiss Midlands, the water is very hard. In Ticino, it is very soft. In the canton of Zurich, depending on the municipality and area, the hardness ranges from 14 to 18 °fH. In Rümlang, it can even reach a hardness of 41 °fH. In the municipality of Volken, the value ranges from 43 to 46 °fH. In Zumikon, however, the hardness ranges between 15 and 16 °fH. This municipality thus has the softest water in the region.

Are there any challenges regarding the water supply?

Generally, there should be no concerns about drinking and using tap water in Switzerland. However, this requires good maintenance of household plumbing systems.

As more and more fertilizers are being used in recent years, which also seep into the groundwater, wastewater treatment plants in Switzerland are being upgraded with special treatment stages. Swiss citizens can always get detailed information about the quality of their water on the website of the Swiss Gas and Water Industry Association (SVGW) or request a water analysis for the canton of Zurich.

Further Information:

Canton Zurich: Drinking Water

Canton Zurich: Water Quality Data

Canton Zurich: Water Quality

Canton Zurich: Water Supply

Water analysis medicines

Test whether there are residues of medicines in your drinking water. Small amounts of these get into the drinking water again and again. Our drinking water analysis medicines includes 12 common medicines. Reasons why a water analysis can be useful for you: You consume your tap water regularly. Th Hi

✔ Analysis for pharmaceutical residues
✔ 12 common pharmaceuticals
✔ e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen

CHF 234.00

Water analysis PFAS

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, are increasingly finding their way into our food chains - sometimes they are also found in drinking water. Some of these substances are suspected of being carcinogenic. You can analyse your drinking water for these c Hi

✔ Analysis for long-term chemicals
✔ 20 common PFAS chemicals
✔ Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances

CHF 220.00

Water Analysis Combi

Test your water with the Combi water analysis and find out how good your drinking water is. Your water is tested in the lab for toxic heavy metals, and nutrients are also measured along with the determination of water hardness. Additionally, the water is tested for bacteria, both generally at diffe Hi

✔ Bacteria Test: E. Coli, coliform bacteria
✔ Heavy metals and pollutants
✔ For general drinking water, softeners

CHF 205.00

Water analysis pesticides

Test whether you have pesticides or herbicides in your drinking water. Small amounts of these get into the drinking water again and again. Our pesticides drinking water test includes eight common pesticides and biocides, as well as the sum of all pesticide proportions determined in the laboratory Hi

✔ > 100 pesticides
✔ Most common pesticides
✔ Glyphosate separate analysis

CHF 202.00

Water analysis Glyphosate

Glyphosate is the main component of several total or broad-spectrum herbicides used primarily in agriculture to kill weeds. It is produced both as an acid and as a salt. Its effect on human health remains controversial: the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as "pr Hi

✔ Water analysis for glyphosate
✔ Commonly used pesticide
✔ Possibly carcinogenic

CHF 202.00

Water analysis Bacteria Plus

To ensure perfect water hygiene, a water test can be useful. Bacteria can get into tap water in a wide variety of ways and represent a potential hazard. In particular, the total number of bacteria in the water is often increased in bacterial tests. Coliform germs, which can cause gastrointestinal Hi

✔ Detailed bacteria test
✔ E. coli, coliform bacteria
✔ Enterococci

CHF 165.00

Water analysis bacteria

✔ Bacteria test: E. Coli, coliform bacteria
✔ Focus on bacterial contamination
✔ For general drinking water, softeners

CHF 113.00

Water analysis well water Opti

The laboratory analysis for your well water determines its relevant chemical ingredients. Through natural and human influences (climate, agriculture, rocks and industry) numerous substances such as nitrate, manganese or ammonium get into the well water. Why a laboratory analysis for your well wate Hi

✔ Focus on spring and well water
✔ Heavy metals and contaminants
✔ Bacteria analysis additionally recommended

CHF 108.00

Water Test Opti

Test your water with the Opti water test and thus contribute to improved water hygiene. Your water is examined for toxic heavy metals in the laboratory, nutrients are also recorded and the water hardness is determined. Why a laboratory analysis for your drinking water is valuable As a rule, drink Hi

✔ Comprehensive analysis
✔ Heavy metals and contaminants
✔ Bacteria analysis additionally recommended

CHF 105.00

Water Analysis Baby

With the Water Analysis Baby, you can quickly and easily determine whether your tap water is suitable for preparing baby food. Because some parameters that can occur in drinking water are particularly dangerous for babies and pregnant women. Good reasons for the Water Analysis Baby: You want the Hi

✔ Specifically designed for baby drinking water
✔ Most common contaminants
✔ Separate bacteria analysis

CHF 98.00

Water analysis Ideal

The water test Ideal tests your tap water, among other things, for corrosion-indicating substances and possible pollutants that can get into your drinking water, especially from the pipe material. Why should a water test with laboratory analysis be performed? The tap water in residential building Hi

✔ Focus on heavy metals
✔ Analysis for lead also included
✔ Bacteria analysis additionally recommended

CHF 92.00