Water is essential for life, but not all water sources are equally safe and healthy. Many factors can affect the quality of water, such as pollution, climate change, natural disasters, and human activities. Some countries, however, have managed to preserve or improve their water quality through effective policies, practices, and technologies. In this article, we will explore 15 countries that have some of the cleanest water in the world, based on various indicators and rankings.
What Makes Water Clean?
Before we dive into the list of countries, let’s first define what we mean by clean water. Clean water is water that is free from harmful contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, metals, and plastics. Clean water is also water that has a good taste, smell, and appearance, and that meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities.
There are different ways to measure and compare the quality of water across countries, such as:
- The Environmental Performance Index (EPI), which ranks countries based on their environmental health and ecosystem vitality, including water and sanitation indicators.
- The Water Quality Index (WQI), which assesses the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, using parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, and fecal coliforms.
- The Tap Water Score (TWS), which evaluates the safety and taste of tap water in cities around the world, using data from official sources, local water utilities, and user reviews.
- The Bottled Water Score (BWS), which rates the quality and sustainability of bottled water brands in different countries, using criteria such as source, treatment, packaging, and carbon footprint.
Using these and other sources of information, we have compiled a list of 15 countries that have some of the cleanest waters on earth, in no particular order.
15 Countries with the Cleanest Water in the World
1. Finland
Finland is widely regarded as one of the countries with the best water quality in the world. The country has abundant freshwater resources, with over 180,000 lakes and 647 rivers. Finland also has strict regulations and standards for water protection and treatment, ensuring that the water is safe for human consumption and the environment.
According to the EPI, Finland ranks first in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 100 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 93 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is clean and tasty.
2. Iceland
Iceland is another country that boasts pristine water quality, thanks to its natural sources and minimal pollution. The country relies mostly on groundwater and glacial meltwater for its water supply, which are naturally filtered and purified by volcanic rocks and sand. Iceland also has a low population density and a high level of environmental awareness, which help to preserve the water quality.
According to the EPI, Iceland ranks second in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.87 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 95 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is safe and delicious.
3. Norway
Norway is a country that enjoys abundant and clean water resources, thanks to its geography and climate. The country has over 450,000 lakes and numerous rivers and streams, which are fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and glaciers. Norway also has a low level of water pollution, due to its strict environmental laws and regulations, and its use of renewable energy sources.
According to the EPI, Norway ranks third in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.81 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 94 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is of high quality and flavor.
4. Switzerland
Switzerland is a country that takes water quality very seriously, as it is essential for its economy, tourism, and public health. The country has a diverse and complex water system, with over 1,500 lakes and 65,000 kilometers of rivers and streams. Switzerland also has a high standard of water treatment and monitoring, using advanced technologies and methods to ensure that the water is safe and clean.
According to the EPI, Switzerland ranks fourth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.8 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 93 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is excellent and refreshing.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is a country that is blessed with abundant and clean water resources, thanks to its geography and climate. The country has over 4,000 lakes and 180,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, which are fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and glaciers. New Zealand also has a low level of water pollution, due to its low population density and its conservation efforts.
According to the EPI, New Zealand ranks fifth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.77 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 92 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is pure and pleasant.
6. Canada
Canada is a country that has one of the largest and cleanest water reserves in the world, with over 2 million lakes and 200,000 kilometers of rivers and streams. Canada also has a high level of water protection and management, using various laws and policies to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption and the environment.
According to the EPI, Canada ranks sixth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.76 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 91 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is clean and crisp.
7. Singapore
Singapore is a country that has achieved remarkable water quality, despite its limited natural resources and high population density. The country has developed a comprehensive and integrated water system, which includes four sources of water: local catchment, imported water, reclaimed water (NEWater), and desalinated water. Singapore also has a high standard of water treatment and distribution, using advanced technologies and methods to ensure that the water is safe and clean.
According to the EPI, Singapore ranks seventh in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.75 out of 100. The country also has a high TWS of 90 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is clear and refreshing.
8. Denmark
Denmark is renowned for its high-quality water, which is sourced from the groundwater that is naturally purified by layers of sand and gravel. The country’s effective policies and strict environmental laws have also contributed to its low level of water pollution.
Denmark is actively using renewable energy sources, which has helped it gain the eighth position in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.74 out of 100 according to the EPI. Moreover, the tap water in Denmark is deemed pure and delicious, as indicated by a high TWS score of 89 out of 100.
9. Sweden
Sweden is a country known for its pristine water quality, thanks to its vast and unspoiled water resources and strong environmental awareness. With over 95,000 lakes and 120,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, Sweden’s water sources are replenished by rainfall, snowmelt, and glaciers, ensuring a consistent supply of clean water. Due to its strict environmental laws and regulations, Sweden has a low level of water pollution, and its conservation efforts have helped maintain the country’s water quality.
According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Sweden ranks ninth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.73 out of 100. Additionally, the TWS (Tap Water Quality Score) is high at 88 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is safe and pleasant to drink.
10. Austria
Austria is known to have a high quality of water, thanks to its natural sources and efficient water management system. The country boasts of over 13,000 lakes and 60,000 kilometers of rivers and streams that get their water from rainfall, snowmelt, and glaciers. The standard of water treatment and monitoring in Austria is commendable, using advanced technologies and methods to ensure that the water is safe and clean for consumption.
According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Austria ranks tenth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.72 out of 100. Additionally, the country has an impressive Tap Water Score (TWS) of 87 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is clear and refreshing.
11. France
France is known for its high-quality water, which is attributed to its natural sources and water policy. With over 1,500 lakes, 100,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, and a combination of rainfall, snowmelt, and springs, France has an abundant supply of water. The country also takes pride in its advanced water treatment and distribution technologies and methods to ensure that the water remains safe and clean.
According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), France ranks eleventh globally for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.71 out of 100. In addition, the country has a high TWS (tap water score) of 86 out of 100, which indicates that the tap water is clean and tasty.
12. Germany
Germany is known for having high quality water, thanks to its natural sources and effective water regulation. The country boasts more than 300 lakes and a network of 80,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, which are fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater. Additionally, Germany has a strong water protection and management system in place which involves various laws and policies to ensure the water is safe for human consumption and the environment.
According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Germany is ranked twelfth in the world for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.7 out of 100. The country also has a high Tap Water Safety (TWS) score of 85 out of 100, indicating the tap water is clean and fresh.
13. Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a country that boasts of high-quality water, thanks to its natural sources and efficient water management system. With over 30 lakes and 2,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, the country enjoys a consistent supply of water from rainfall, snowmelt, and springs. Additionally, Luxembourg’s advanced technology and effective methods ensure that the water is safe and clean.
According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Luxembourg ranks thirteenth globally in water and sanitation, with a score of 99.69 out of 100. The country’s high TWS rating of 84 out of 100 indicates that the tap water is pure and refreshing.
14. Netherlands
Netherlands is renowned for its high-quality water, thanks to its abundance of natural sources and innovative water management practices. With over 500 lakes and 6,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater, the country boasts a diverse range of aquatic resources. It also has strong laws and policies in place to ensure water safety for both humans and the environment.
According to the EPI, Netherlands ranks fourteenth worldwide for water and sanitation, with a score of 99.68 out of 100. Additionally, the country has a high TWS ranking of 83 out of 100, indicating that the tap water is pure and pleasant.
15. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a country that boasts of excellent water quality, thanks to its natural resources and water treatment processes. With over 1,000 lakes and 200,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, which are fed by rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater, the country has a steady supply of water.
The United Kingdom has invested in advanced technologies and methods to ensure that the water is safe and clean, making it one of the highest-ranking countries in water and sanitation, with a score of 99.67 out of 100 according to the EPI. Additionally, the tap water in the country has a high TWS score of 82 out of 100, indicating that it is clean and delicious.
Key Takeaways
Water is a precious and vital resource, but not all water sources are equally clean and healthy. Some countries have managed to preserve or improve their water quality through effective policies, practices, and technologies, while others still face challenges and risks. In this article, we have explored 15 countries that have some of the cleanest waters on earth, based on various indicators and rankings. These countries are:
- Finland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Singapore
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Austria
- France
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
We hope that this article has provided you with useful and interesting information about the quality of water in different countries, and that it has inspired you to appreciate and protect this precious resource. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family, and let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
