Switzerland's water resources are used for a variety of different purposes, including drinking, power generation, transport, irrigation and leisure activities.

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for protecting these resources from pollution and from overuse. It also has the task of flood prevention.

Protection of waterways is inscribed in the Swiss Constitution.

Water quality is constantly monitored. The FOEN has two programmes to oversee this task. The National Long Term Investigation of Flowing Swiss Waters (NADUF) is responsible for rivers, while The National Network for Groundwater Quality Observation (NAQUA) monitors ground water.

The drinking water that comes out of Swiss taps is as pure as bottled mineral water - and 500 times cheaper.