In the 1960s, Swiss rivers were some of the most polluted in Europe, but a mix of tragedy, public pressure, and strong legislation transformed them into some of the cleanest waterways in the world, setting a model for countries still struggling with toxic water.
Phoebe Weston reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- A deadly typhoid outbreak in 1963 pushed Switzerland to overhaul its wastewater treatment, leading to some of the highest water quality standards in the world. Today, nearly all Swiss wastewater is treated before entering rivers and lakes, making urban swimming common.
- Switzerland is now a leader in removing micropollutants — like pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals — from water, using advanced filtration techniques that the European Union is trying to replicate. The UK, however, has no such plans despite rising pollution concerns.
- Swiss residents pay more for clean water, but politicians across party lines agree it's a priority. Experts say the long-term goal should be banning the most persistent pollutants altogether.
Key quote:
“The endgame is to get these substances prohibited. Very resistant pollutants should not be used any more.”
— Michael Mattle, wastewater technology expert at Holinger
Why this matters:
Switzerland’s approach has drastically reduced waterborne illnesses, and its leadership on micropollutants could help prevent long-term exposure to harmful chemicals in drinking water worldwide. The secret? A relentless commitment to wastewater treatment, strict environmental policies, and a public willing to invest in clean water.
Read more: The silent threat beneath our feet: How deregulation fuels the spread of forever chemicals
