Water companies in Skåne, Sweden, are urging residents to adopt strict water conservation measures following record low water levels in Vombsjön, the region's primary drinking water source. According to reports from Dagens Nyheter and Aftonbladet, the water level in Vombsjön is approximately one meter below normal for this time of year, marking the lowest levels recorded since measurements began in 1969.
VA Syd and Sydvatten, the regional water companies, have issued urgent appeals to residents to reduce water consumption. Maria Nordblad Stålgard, acting communications manager at VA Syd, emphasized that 'there is no game changer, everyone must contribute' to address the water shortage. The companies are recommending that residents limit showers to three minutes, keep a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of running taps, and use dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
there is no game changer, everyone must contribute
Mattias Leijon, CEO of Sydvatten, expressed concern about the situation, noting that despite recent snowmelt replenishing the lake, water levels remain critically low. Vombsjön, together with Bolmen in Småland, supplies drinking water to approximately one million residents in the region. The water shortage comes after two consecutive years of precipitation deficits, with officials warning that the current water supply in Vombsjön will likely need to last until autumn.
The early timing of this water crisis is particularly concerning, as water levels are typically at their highest during this season before gradually decreasing through spring and summer. Both water companies stress that behavioral changes are necessary, noting that Swedish residents consume about 140 liters of water per person daily, which is 40 percent more than neighboring Denmark.