Protecting Water

For dependable and affordable water distribution

The City of Lausanne is responsible for the collection, treatment, distribution, and protection of water so that the residents of Lausanne and 70 other communities in the area have access to quality, low-priced water: CHF 2.10 per m³ (1000 litres), or 1000 times less than bottled water.
The water is collected from several sources. Lake Geneva (58%), 120 springs from Gros-de-Vaud, from the base of the Jura mountains and the Prealps (27%) and Lac de Bret (15%).

Water and Sustainable Development
Water is undoubtedly the resource humans, as well as plants and animals, need most. We are 70% water ourselves, and each one of us uses 160 litres daily for our household and personal hygiene needs.
Water protection and conservation are the foundation for sustainable and affordable water distribution. Consumers, agricultural producers, industrialists, and skilled traders are encouraged to use it sparingly so that everyone can benefit from it for many years into the future…

Collect, Preserve, and Offer Quality Water to Lausanne’s Residents

Environmental and Sanitary Distribution Management

eauservice, the drinking water distribution service for the City of Lausanne has developed a certification process (ISO 14001) aimed at improving the environmental management of water protection.
A risk assessment is carried out in order to conserve water quantitatively and qualitatively, to limit risks for those involved and for the environment in general, and to continue distributing pristine water.

 eauservice

The Pays-d'Enhaut Spring, energy saving…

Since 1901, Pays-d’Enhaut, in the Vaud Prealps, has contributed 15% of the total distribution to the Lausanne area.
This gravity routing, originating in the valleys of Etivaz at an altitude of 1400 metres, makes it possible to conserve several million KWh of electricity, the amount that it would take to pump the same quantity of water from Lake Geneva.
The improved contributions from the Pays-d’Enhaut and Avants springs will make it possible to produce more green electricity at the power plant in Sonzier.

 Water from Pays-d'Enhaut will continue to flow toward Lausanne
Press release (18.05.06)

Protecting Water and Our Health

Water is constantly being analyzed. The collection and treatment of wastewater at the purification station (STEP) make it possible to protect Lake Geneva and its animal life, to enjoy quality bathing water, and to guarantee an essential source of water.
The development of the separate network makes it possible to “sort” the wastewater taken by the sewers to the STEP from the fresh water (rainwater, fountain water, etc.), directed straight to the rivers and the lake. For five years, the City of Lausanne has been involved with World Water Day, held on March 22.

 World Water Day, 2007