A new analysis by Hofor, the utility company responsible for water supply in the Greater Copenhagen area (Hovedstadsområdet), has raised serious concerns about the future availability of clean drinking water. According to the study, the region could face a deficit of 12 million cubic meters of potable water by 2040 unless urgent action is taken. This shortfall is equivalent to the entire annual water consumption of Odense Municipality.
Water scarcity threatens daily life and urban development
If current trends persist, residents of the capital region may soon experience low water pressure, usage restrictions, or even dry taps. This looming crisis would require residents to reduce daily water consumption significantly — potentially by a third. “We could lack 33 liters per person per day,” explained Martin Rygaard, senior specialist at Hofor. That would mean cutting several minutes off daily showers and reducing non-essential use.
Anne Scherfig, head of water planning at Hofor, warned that water scarcity could impede urban growth, disrupt business operations, and place a burden on public services.
“It is very, very serious that we are in this situation,” she said. “We as a society need to act now.”
Groundwater pollution and ageing infrastructure are key factors
The main causes of the crisis are groundwater contamination and a deteriorating water supply infrastructure. Approximately a quarter of the pipes in the capital are over 100 years old, significantly beyond their expected lifespan. Leaks and fractures result in a loss of 4% to 13% of water annually, according to Hofor.
Moreover, the use of pesticides in groundwater recharge areas is exacerbating the problem. Both Scherfig and Claus Vangsgård, senior consultant at Danva (the Danish Water and Wastewater Association), emphasized the role of agriculture and land management in groundwater pollution.
Climate change and national implications
The Copenhagen water shortage is not an isolated problem. Experts warn that similar challenges may arise in other major Danish urban centers, due to an uneven distribution of water resources, rising consumption, and climate-induced droughts.
In response to recent dry spells, Hofor has already asked residents to limit water use. This includes avoiding large backyard pools, using eco-friendly settings on household appliances, and cutting shower times.
Political action and future protection measures
Danish Minister for the Environment Magnus Heunicke (S) has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. “Drinking water means everything to us in Denmark,” he said. “It must be clean, safe, and plentiful — and that won’t be the case in the future if we do not act.”
The Ministry is currently mapping groundwater formation areas, with the aim of implementing pesticide restrictions and long-term protective policies by next year.
Everyday measures to conserve water
To mitigate the impact of the crisis, Hofor and environmental experts encourage the public to adopt simple water-saving habits, such as:
- Turning off the tap while brushing teeth.
- Using watering cans instead of hoses for plants.
- Taking shorter showers (a one-minute cut saves 10 liters).
- Fixing dripping taps and leaking toilets.
- Activating eco-modes on dishwashers and washing machines.
Without a coordinated political, municipal, and public effort, Greater Copenhagen may face an unprecedented water supply crisis within the next 15 years.
