2026-06-16

Water – critical infrastructure in need of attention

Water scarcity is increasingly becoming the new normal rather than the exception – even here at home. Lower precipitation levels, record-low lake and groundwater reserves, and an infrastructure that is severely neglected and underinvested. To me, this points to one clear conclusion: the conditions for Sweden’s water supply have changed, and new solutions and business models are needed to address the challenges we face today.

From individual responsibility to system-wide solutions

Today, much of the attention is directed toward personal responsibility. Taking shorter showers, turning off the tap, and postponing laundry can all be important measures during periods of water stress. When even fifth-grade students understand the importance of conserving water while showering, we adults should take the issue seriously as well. But individual behavior alone cannot solve a structural challenge. When water shortage recur year after year, the issue goes beyond consumption habits – it becomes a question of how our systems are designed.

At the same time, expectations around water quality, reliability of supply, and preparedness continue to rise – from policymakers and regulations, as well as households and businesses. If water scarcity is to become the exception rather than the rule once again, I argue that a broader and more systemic approach is required.

Investing to accelerate change

At Sandberg Development, we believe that businesses and investors have an important role to play. There is already a wealth of ideas, innovations, and technologies focused on areas such as more efficient water treatment and purification, smarter water management, reduced leakage, and increased water reuse in industrial processes.

We already have a steadily growing portfolio of companies addressing these challenges. By combining their commitment and entrepreneurial spirit with our expertise in developing businesses, we can help scale solutions that improve water infrastructure in Sweden and internationally. Together, these innovations can help reduce water extraction, stabilize supply, and make water systems more resilient.

Public and private collaboration is essential

In my view, the private sector must also work more closely with the public sector, which carries responsibility for the fundamental infrastructure. Different stakeholders can contribute solutions at different levels. The public sector can create the right long-term conditions through planning, prioritization, and clear regulatory frameworks. Businesses can contribute capital, innovation, and execution capabilities. Together, we can shift the focus from annual crisis management at the individual level to long-term solutions that benefit society as a whole.

Water scarcity does not have to become our new normal. At Sandberg Development, we are committed to helping ensure that it does not.