Water and waste water
Raw water and drinking water
In Switzerland, a distinction is made between raw water (untreated surface water or groundwater) and drinking water. The regulations for untreated water in Switzerland can be found in the Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (Waters Protection Act, SR 814.20) and the associated ordinance, as well as in cantonal regulations.
Drinking water, on the other hand, is regulated by the Federal Act on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles (Foodstuffs Act, SR 817.0) and the Foodstuffs Ordinance. Drinking or tap water is the most closely monitored foodstuff in Switzerland and fulfils the highest standards of hygiene and safety. It is constantly subject to strict controls and is of very high quality.
Waste water
Wastewater consists to a large extent of water and pollutants, which occur in dissolved and undissolved form as well as organic compounds (fats, proteins, carbohydrates). Wastewater is a generic term and comes from various sources (e.g. from rainwater, external water or wastewater such as grey or black water).
Wastewater contains biodegradable nutrients (e.g. glucose), nutrients (e.g. nitrogen and phosphorus compounds), pollutants (synthetic and organic substances, toxins, microplastics, etc.) and impurities (salts, fats, sand).
Different wastewater treatment processes are required depending on the composition of the wastewater. In Switzerland, wastewater must be channelled into sewage treatment plants via the sewage system for disposal. It is then channelled into receiving waters or groundwater.