Luxembourg has secured the third position among EU member states for clean drinking water, thanks to its comprehensive efforts to protect and purify water sources in line with the EU Water Directive. The country’s proactive approach combines advanced treatment technologies with robust preventive measures to ensure high water quality standards.
Urban protection zones have been established to prevent contamination near water sources. Although groundwater provides natural filtration, it does not meet all drinking water requirements. “At the plant, we use sand and activated carbon filters to remove problematic substances such as pesticides, their metabolites, and PFAS,” explained Annick Frising, who oversees the city’s source water quality.
Once treated, the water undergoes disinfection and mild chlorination before being stored in reservoirs. Brigitte Lambert, head of the Groundwater and Drinking Water Unit at the Water Management Agency, emphasized that preventive protection remains crucial. “It is essential to safeguard catchment areas, identify potential risks, and manage them effectively,” she said.
Luxembourg’s water supply is evenly split between groundwater and surface water. With over 6,500 analyses conducted annually under the Drinking Water Act, the country boasts a compliance rate exceeding 99.8%, earning it third place in the EU’s Clean Drinking Water Index. Citizens are also encouraged to contribute to water conservation through small but meaningful actions, such as shorter showers and using water-saving devices.