Southern Sweden on water alert - is Västerbotten next?

Groundwater levels are unusually low in Sweden.
This could cause problems for Västerbotten residents with private wells, reports SVT.

Authorities in southern Sweden have issued warnings about water shortages. In Västerbotten, groundwater levels are low, but no official warning has yet been issued. Archive photo.

Authorities in southern Sweden have issued warnings about water shortages. In Västerbotten, groundwater levels are low, but no official warning has yet been issued. Archive photo.

Foto: Harry Grout on Unsplash

Engelska2025-05-20 09:00

Groundwater levels in the country are low and as recently as Thursday, SMHI and the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) issued a warning about the risk of water shortages in parts of southern Sweden. Such warnings are issued when water flows or groundwater levels are lower than usual and are expected to remain low in the coming weeks.

– But even though no warnings have yet been issued for the Västerbotten coast, groundwater levels are predicted to be low, reports SVT Västerbotten

There are several ways to save water. Archive photo.
There are several ways to save water. Archive photo.

– This can especially cause problems for people who have their own wells, states Johan Sjödin of the water company Vakin to SVT. 

– If you have your own well, it is advisable to secure water containers or establish contact with a contractor who, in a worst-case scenario, can provide a water wagon, he informs SVT.

Advice

Saving water at home:

  • Shower instead of having a bath.
  • Shower for a shorter time than usual and turn off the water while you lather.
  • Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
  • Avoid washing dishes under running water.
  • Run full dishwashers and washing machines.
  • Chill water in the refrigerator so you avoid letting the tap run to get cold water.
  • Fix unnecessary leaks and dripping taps. Over time, many cubic meters of water can be wasted.

Saving water in the garden:

  • Water either early in the morning, or in the evening or during the night.
  • Avoid sprinklers.
  • Water with a watering can or a hose that you hold in your hand.
  • Place pots with sensitive plants in shady spots on sunny days.
  • Save rainwater from downspouts in a barrel for watering.
  • Use mulch to reduce water evaporation in the soil.
  • Avoid planting during spring and summer. It is better to do it in the autumn.

    Source: Krisinformation.se