Clean water and the future of water treatment – “The only thing stopping us from drinking treated wastewater is the ‘yuck factor’.”

Gustaf Söderman, Business Developer in Water and Environmental Engineering at NCC, on future treatment technologies, PFAS risks, and why water infrastructure has become a security issue.

Access to clean tap water is something most people in Sweden take for granted. At the same time, drinking water supply is facing growing challenges—from climate change and chemical contamination to the risk of sabotage. These are some of the key topics that will be addressed at Sweden Water Expo in September, where NCC is one of the exhibitors. “We often say that we take responsibility for the entire water cycle. For us, that means combining construction and water treatment expertise within one organization, enabling us to deliver end-to-end solutions. Our specialist capabilities across the entire value chain set us apart, and that’s something we want to highlight at Sweden Water Expo,” says Gustaf Söderman.

He works as a Business Developer within NCC’s specialist division for Water and Environmental Engineering, which delivers water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and pumping stations for municipalities and water-intensive industries. While the sector faces significant investment needs—estimated by industry body Svenskt Vatten at approximately SEK 500 billion by 2040—Söderman remains cautiously optimistic.

There is, of course, an investment backlog, with many facilities needing to be built or upgraded within a relatively short period. At the same time, I believe awareness has increased. The issue is receiving more media attention, for example when hosepipe bans are introduced or when Gotland experiences problems with its drinking water supply. Five years ago, it was not as high on the agenda. Work is under way, although investment is still not progressing at the pace required.

The challenges go beyond aging infrastructure.
“The more contaminants we release into the environment, the more complex it becomes to produce safe drinking water. PFAS is one of several emerging concerns. Both groundwater and surface water sources have been affected, which is driving demand for more advanced treatment technologies.”

Climate change is also impacting raw water availability. In some regions, capacity is insufficient during dry periods, while in coastal areas there is a growing risk of saltwater intrusion into groundwater reserves.
“This is leading to increased interest in alternative treatment solutions. On Gotland, for example, we have delivered desalination plants, and more municipalities are exploring similar options. There is also growing discussion around circular systems, where treated wastewater can be reused as drinking water. The technology is already available—the real barrier is public perception. People are reluctant to drink what was once wastewater, even when it has been fully treated.”

What is the most important issue for your clients right now?

There is an increasing focus on sustainability. Part of this concerns how facilities are built, using climate-neutral concrete, reusing materials and selecting the right equipment. It also applies to operations, where energy-efficient processes and reduced chemical use benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I like is that the work never becomes routine. Every facility has its own conditions and challenges that need to be taken into account, so no two projects are quite the same. It is also rewarding to work in an area that really matters. Many people do not realise how fortunate we are in Sweden to have a high-quality food product available straight from the tap at very low cost. It is easy to forget how exceptional that is.