Current water situation
Listen
The water situation on Gotland remains strained, and the water shortage continues. It is essential that we all continue to keep water consumption low.
August 26, 2026
The autumn is approaching, and the watering ban will end as planned on Tuesday, September 1. The water shortage is not over, and it is still prohibited to fill pools and hot tubs.
Watering ban lifted – continued prohibition on filling pools
The watering ban is a temporary measure to rapidly reduce consumption when drinking water is at risk of running out. It can only be implemented during periods of peak demand.
April 1 to October 1: Prohibition on filling pools and hot tubs
It is still prohibited to use municipal drinking water to:
• Fill or top up pools
• Fill or top up hot tubs
• Fill large inflatable pools
The measures are making a difference
The fact that drinking water production has functioned well is partly due to measures taken to improve our drinking water systems and partly because both residents of Gotland and visitors have shown great commitment and helped to save water.
What is Region Gotland doing?
- We maintain and develop our existing water plants and pipeline networks.
- We search for and repair leaks to reduce water loss.
- We are strengthening the system so that we can better handle disruptions and periods of high consumption.
- We collaborate with national and regional authorities regarding water supply, emergency preparedness, and long-term solutions.
- We continue to provide information on the water situation so that individuals and businesses can plan and contribute.
What can you do?
- Continue to use drinking water wisely and consider where your own consumption can be reduced.
- Keep an eye out for leaks in your home. Toilets, taps, and other small leaks can waste large amounts of water.
- Stay updated on the current water situation.
- Maintain basic home preparedness for water, for situations with water shortage as for other societal disruptions.
Gotland's drinking water conditions
The pressure on drinking water production decreases as the number of visitors drops, but we must continue to care for our drinking water. Saving water is a part of life on Gotland, given the conditions provided by the island's groundwater. We will have slim margins even during future summers until we have strengthened our long-term water supply.
Continued work on quality, taste, and smell
When the watering ban is lifted, we will continue with the planned work to ensure water quality, taste, and smell. This includes flushing the water pipes to ensure that the drinking water remains clean and safe. Through regular and targeted flushing, we can keep the water pipeline network in good condition, prevent operational disruptions, flush away natural deposits that accumulate in the pipes, and ensure that water does not remain stagnant in the pipes for too long.
During flushing, water may run into the street, and the water from your tap may temporarily change color, smell, or taste. This is harmless and normal.
Read more about variations in drinking water (Swedish)
The way forward
To solve the water shortage in the long term, we need access to more raw water and the ability to produce more. A feasibility study for a new desalination plant in Visby is now set to begin. It will take several years before the planning and construction of a new plant are completed. Until then, we will need to do as much as possible with the conditions we have today.
Current water situation is updated every Wednesday. Last update: August 26.
How you can help
How you can help
Everyone living in or visiting Gotland can help reduce water consumption:
- Collect rainwater in barrels or other containers and use it for watering.
- Continue to use drinking water sparingly in the home and garden.
- If you have your own well – save water and monitor the water level in the well. You are responsible for ensuring the availability and quality of your drinking water.
- Help spread information about the water shortage and the importance of saving water to family, friends, and neighbors.
Check for leaks in your home – before you leave and when you return
A small water leak can cause significant damage, especially when a home is empty. It can be a good investment to take time to search for leaks, check plumbing installations, shut off the water, and prepare for the winter season.
Before you leave and when you return, check that:
- taps and pipes are dry and leak-free
- the toilet is not running
- hoses and connections to the dishwasher and washing machine are dry
- there is no moisture or water on the property, floors, or in cabinets
- the water is turned off, if possible and appropriate
- the water meter does not indicate a water flow after all taps are closed
Kontakta oss
Region Gotland
Vi guidar dig rätt – kontakta regionupplysningen via knappval 9. Tänk på att inte skriva personnummer eller känsliga personuppgifter när du kontaktar oss via e-post.
Hjälpte informationen på sidan dig?
Sidinformation
- Senast uppdaterad:
- 26 August 2026