Waste water disposal and water pollution control

Switzerland’s role as the “moated castle of Europe” means that Switzerland is obliged to make special efforts in the area of water pollution control. Purification of waste water is a necessary requirement for maintaining and preserving water ecosystems over the long term. Thanks to modern waste water purification technology, there is no health risk associated with swimming in Switzerland’s many lakes and rivers. The waste water from households, industry, business and agriculture is piped to purification systems through sewage pipes totalling 40,000 km to 50,000 km in length (about 25,000 to 31,000 miles). Today 97% of all Swiss households are connected to one of the country’s 900 waste water treatment plants.