vattensmart

Vattensmart is a Swedish term used to describe approaches, products and practices that manage water resources more efficiently and reduce vulnerability to water-related risks such as shortage, flooding and pollution. It encompasses both everyday consumer choices and larger-scale strategies in households, buildings, industry and urban planning.

At the household level, vattensmart often means installing low-flow taps and toilets, fixing leaks, using water meters and smart controls, and harvesting rainwater for irrigation or toilet flushing. In buildings and infrastructure, it includes water-reuse systems, greywater where allowed, and designs that minimize water waste. In urban design, blue-green infrastructure such as permeable pavements, rain gardens and green roofs helps absorb rainfall, reduce runoff and improve resilience to heavy rain and drought.

In agriculture, vattensmart involves efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture monitoring, to match water supply with crop needs. In industry, process water recycling and closed-loop cooling reduce total consumption. Policy-wise, many Swedish municipalities and national programs promote water-efficient practices through planning guidelines, incentives and codes, reflecting climate adaptation and sustainability goals. The term is sometimes used as a marketing or labeling idea to denote water efficiency, although it is not a single standardized certification.