Danish innovations in water sector keep pollution at bay

Blue again: Once regarded as a sewer, Aarhus River is now a popular commercial and recreation area in Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city. An intelligent drainage management system has helped clean up the river and harbour, making the city much more liveable and vibrant. Photos: TAN CHENG LI/The Star

In Denmark, tap water is as pure as spring water and the sea off city harbours are clean enough to swim in. How is that so?

WHEN it comes to good examples of managing water resources, Denmark comes to mind. The country is touted as a world leader in the water sector, and it must be doing something right – its water consumption has dropped almost 40% since 1980. Its treated water is of such high quality that everyone drinks straight from the tap; there’s even a national competition for the best-tasting tap water. And its non-revenue water is a mere 7% (Malaysia’s is over 30%).