Like other home utilities in Switzerland, water is controlled by government-supported companies that cover each canton. Water in Switzerland is high-quality and most tap water comes from natural alpine springs or rivers fed by snowmelt. Typically, rental contracts include the cost of any water used and action only needs to be taken if you have bought a house in Switzerland or changed address. The process of registering with your local water company is quick and easy.
Water suppliers in Switzerland
Water is supplied to properties in Switzerland through the same companies that give you electricity. These are specific to certain areas. You cannot change water supplier and must purchase water from the company that operates in your canton or city. These are:
- Aargau (AG): AEW
- Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AU)
- Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI): Energie AR / AI
- Basel Land (BL): EBL
- Basel Stadt (BS): IWB
- Bern (BE): BKW
- Freiburg / Fribourg (FR): Groupe E
- Genèva (GE): SIG
- Glarus (GL): TB Glarus
- Graubünden (GR): RE Power
- Jura (JU): Jura Energy Corporation
- Lucerne city (LU): EWL
- Lucerne canton: CKW
- Neuchâtel (NE) : Viteos SA
- Nidwalden (NW): Full cantonal control
- Obwalden (OW): EWO
- Schaffhausen (SH): EKS
- Schwyz (SZ): EWS
- Solothurn (SO): Regio energie Solothurn
- St. Gallen (SG): SGSW
- Thurgau (TG): EKT
- Ticino (TI): AET
- Uri (UR): Energie Uri
- Valais / Wallis (VS): CREM
- Vaud (VD): Romande Energie
- Zug (ZG): WWZ
- Zurich Canton (ZH): EKZ
- Zurich City: EWZ
Can I change water supplier?
In Switzerland, you must purchase water from your local water company. You are unable to get water from another water company in another canton. If you are renting an apartment in Switzerland, you will be given water automatically. If you are buying a house in Switzerland, you must register with your local water company, providing:
Once this information is received, you will be charged for water until you change your address.
Can you drink tap water in Switzerland?
You can drink the water from any tap in Switzerland. Indeed, most tap water in Switzerland actually comes from the same springs that are used for commercially bottled water.
You can also drink from all fountains in Switzerland, unless directly stated otherwise, and there have been several occasions where water quality from the Swiss lakes has been good enough for full public consumption.