Known as Europe's reservoir- Switzerland holds over six percent of Europe's freshwater in its lakes, rivers and glaciers, and groundwater.

Every year UN observes World Water Day on March 22, to advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Known as Europe's reservoir- Switzerland holds over six percent of Europe's freshwater in its lakes, rivers and glaciers, and groundwater.

Switzerland has never taken its natural beauty, the abundance of beautiful lakes, majestic mountain peaks, clean air, green living, and crystal-clear water sources for granted. The following reasons explains why Switzerland is the reservoir for the entire continent of Europe:

Pure, clear potable water straight from the mountains

Switzerland holds six percent of Europe’s total freshwater supply in its glaciers, streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater. It is also the source of numerous European rivers, including the Rhine and the Rhone. The Swiss drinking water is a quality product from natural resources – of which 80 percent stems from natural springs and groundwater, and the remaining from over 1,500 lakes. 

Strict laws/rules against pollution

Switzerland has got to this point of sustainability only after years of putting in place rules and laws that conserve its environment and natural resources. Strict regulations on water and its quality by the Federal Council have helped the country maintain its high environmental standards. Waste management is taken very seriously in Switzerland with the ‘polluter pays principle’ reinforcing rules to prevent tourists and locals alike from polluting any place in the country, be it lakes, mountains, or cities.

Carefully planned infrastructure

In addition to these rules, the Federal Council and the people of Switzerland have adopted a series of concrete measures in recent years to safeguard their natural resource. Around 90 percent of Switzerland’s 65,000-kilometre-long network of rivers and streams have been structurally modified to conserve water. This water infrastructure consists of a carefully planned network of dams, canals and channels to help prevent natural disasters and focus on water management.

Wastewater management

The wastewater treatment plants built over the past 50 years have significantly improved water quality. To eliminate micro-pollutants, including residues from medicines, cosmetics, and pesticides from the water, the Federal Council has decided to add an additional treatment stage to the largest of the approximately 800 wastewater treatment plants in Switzerland over a course of the next 20 years. The council recently adopted an action plan to reduce risk and promote the sustainable use of plant protection products to further decrease the use of pesticides. These measures, together with ongoing renaturation programs, are designed to further improve the environmental condition of Switzerland’s water bodies.

Importance of water bodies in Tourism

No visit to Switzerland is complete without a tour of the country’s most scenic lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Tourists get to take part in multiple activities in these waters from swimming, fishing, and water skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, river rafting and canoeing, to sightseeing cruises. Each lake in Switzerland offers countless fun-filled activities. In the warmer months, tourists and locals like to cool off by simply putting their clothes in a swim bag and going for a dip in the lakes.With a collection of the most exquisite natural waterfalls, tourists can hike to reach and experience the refreshing energy of these enormous glacial waterfalls up close and personal. Switzerland’s transportation system makes it easy to access almost all water bodies in the country.

The country actively promotes businesses, academic initiatives, as well as other enterprises to make bio-friendly use of resources to help make the entire world a better place.