Sweden’s outdated water systems lead to severe sewage discharges during heavy rainfall

Approximately ten percent of Sweden’s water supply network consists of outdated systems that do not separate stormwater from sewage. This results in the discharge of contaminated water during heavy rainfall when the pipes are overwhelmed.

Significant investment is required to address this issue. The national organization representing municipal water and sewage departments estimates that it would take about 200 years to upgrade the systems at the current pace. Fredrik Vinthagen, a spokesperson for the organization, states that an investment of roughly ten billion Swedish kronor more than the current annual spending is essential for the next 17 years to adequately tackle the challenge.

Currently, municipalities are responsible for supplying drinking water and treating wastewater. In rural areas with fewer residents, water fees often become disproportionately high compared to larger municipalities. There is no overarching authority responsible for Sweden’s water and sewage networks. When inquiries were made to the Minister of Infrastructure, it was indicated that these issues fall under the purview of the Minister of the Environment. Conversely, the Minister of the Environment referred back to the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure. Vinthagen criticizes the fragmented organization of water management in Sweden, noting the lack of a dedicated minister to coordinate water-related issues.

Water overflow occurs when a system or treatment plant is overloaded, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt, leading to emergency releases of water. This causes stormwater, mixed with sewage, to enter lakes and rivers to prevent flooding and damage to the infrastructure.

Some municipalities have reported significant increases in sewage discharges from 2022 to 2023. For instance, Söderhamn saw a 2,939% increase, releasing 472,795 cubic meters of water; Mora experienced a 2,568% rise with 35,323 cubic meters released; and Sala reported an 1,842% increase with 327,449 cubic meters discharged.