“Less electricity also means less drinking water”

It’s getting colder in Switzerland. Central electric boilers or mobile electric heaters are now being switched on again and that also has consequences for the power supply: instead of exporting electricity – as has usually been the case in recent months – the country is now increasingly dependent on imports again. “Switzerland was largely in import mode last week,” states the latest management report from the Federal Office for National Economic Supply (BWL).

And: “Despite the good starting position in Switzerland, import restrictions from neighboring countries can lead to supply restrictions for Switzerland in the winter.”

The situation in France in particular remains uncertain for the time being. “It could very well be that there are regional supply problems in a neighboring country – in terms of quantity or due to technical problems – and that as a result electricity exports to other countries, including Switzerland, are temporarily stifled,” adds Marianne Zünd of the Bundesamt. Energy to Blick. “Then we would miss this import flow for our offer.”

The federal government tries to prevent any gaps with countermeasures such as a hydropower reserve, emergency power groups or a reduction in residual water volumes. But saving electricity is still the order of the day to avoid a power shortage. Especially towards the end of winter, it can become critical when the reservoirs become empty.

Water pumps dependent on electricity

In an emergency, a particularly important asset would also be at risk: our water supply! “Water suppliers are heavily dependent on the power supply for the operation of pumps and treatment plants,” warned the FONES in an earlier management report. The water suppliers are therefore currently reviewing their preparatory measures for a possible power shortage.

This is confirmed by Christos Bräunle of the Swiss Gas and Water Association (SVGW), an association of companies and experts. “For many communities, the water supply is an important source of electricity because groundwater has to be pumped into the reservoirs on a regular basis,” says Bräunle.

If there is an electricity quota and large consumers have to save, say, 20 or 40 percent of their electricity consumption, many water suppliers face a challenge. “In recent years, more efficient pumps have been installed in many places,” says Bräunle. The program was even funded by Energie Schweiz. “Now there aren’t many ways to save even more — especially in the short term.”

If necessary, water-saving profession

A quota would therefore also have consequences for the water supply. “Many suppliers can only save electricity if they pump less water. Less electricity also means less drinking water,” says Bräunle. Scenarios are currently being developed in which the population has to be called upon to save water if necessary. “At least regionally, as we know it now, for example during warm periods.”

Even power cuts of several hours would be a challenge for water suppliers. “But no electricity does not mean that no water flows from the tap”, the expert puts into perspective. “In this case, the reservoirs would be filled while the pumps are running.” Once the water runs out, it no longer needs electricity to distribute it to the households. “Over the slope, only the water pressure is sufficient.” However, if a power outage lasts longer, any water treatment can become problematic.

The situation differs from community to community, Bräunle makes clear. “Anyone who has a well and doesn’t need pumps wouldn’t be bothered by it at all, but that’s a clear minority.” Other suppliers would also have emergency wells with well water inlets that would always flow. “Zurich has such an emergency water supply.”

Prepare for an emergency scenario

However, it is still unclear whether the water suppliers should help to save electricity – or whether they would benefit from an exemption as vital infrastructure. “As of today, we are not necessarily exempt from the measures, so we must also prepare for an emergency scenario,” says Bräunle.

For example, the water suppliers check which energy-saving measures are still possible or how they could provide their own electricity. Larger providers in particular already have emergency power generators, while smaller providers are upgrading in this area. Bräunle makes it clear: “We want to avoid calls to save on water consumption as much as possible. That would really be the ultimate ratio.”