Water in Luxembourg: Connection, Meter Activation, and Billing

Water Connection: What Steps Should You Take When You Move In?

Once you’ve found a place to live in Luxembourg, you’ll need to make sure your water supply is properly set up when you move in. The steps vary depending on whether you’re moving into a single-family home or an apartment, but in either case, the distribution of drinking water is handled by your local municipality.

Good news: In most cases, you don’t need to request a new connection to the public water system. Homes are already connected to the water supply. However, you must notify the utility company of your arrival so that your water usage can be properly recorded and billed.

Who manages water distribution in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, each municipality is responsible for the distribution of drinking water within its territory. In particular, it ensures:

• supplying water to homes;
• maintenance of the public water system;
• reading meters when it manages them;
• billing for water consumption.

The practical details may vary slightly from one municipality to another, but the procedures remain generally similar throughout the country.

You’re moving into a single-family home

If you’re moving into a single-family home, you must notify your municipality of your arrival, usually when you register your residence.

This step allows the municipality to identify the new occupant of the residence and track your water usage.

Depending on the municipality, you may be asked to provide:

• your contact information;
• the date you moved in;
• the address of the residence;
• the water meter reading at the time of your arrival.

You will then receive water bills directly from your local municipality.

You’re moving into an apartment

In a multi-unit building, the process is generally simpler.

The connection to the water supply is managed by the property manager or the building’s owner. In most cases, you do not need to take any technical steps to have the meter activated.

Your water usage is usually included in your rent or condominium fees and then allocated according to the rules established for your building.

If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your landlord or the property manager:

• whether an individual meter is installed;
• how consumption is calculated;
• whether the advance payments for utilities include drinking water.

Your Situation	Who handles the paperwork?	Who receives the bill?
Single-family home	The new occupant must contact the municipality.	The owner or the occupant.
Apartment	The property manager or the owner in most cases.	Depending on how the building is managed: through the maintenance fees or directly.

How is your water bill calculated?

Your water bill depends on several factors determined by your municipality. It generally includes a portion based on your actual consumption, as well as various fees intended to fund the operation and maintenance of the public water system.

Since rates may vary from one municipality to another, it is advisable to consult the information available from your local municipal administration.

Billing Components	What does this represent?
Water consumption	The actual volume consumed, as recorded by the meter.
Service fee	Contribution toward the service’s fixed costs.
Sewage	Collection and treatment of wastewater.
Municipal taxes or fees	Vary by municipality.

In an apartment, these costs are often included in the rent. In a single-family home, they are generally billed directly by the municipality.

Where does Luxembourg’s drinking water come from?

Luxembourg has very high-quality drinking water. It comes mainly from surface water and groundwater sources within the country.

The main source of supply is Lake Haute-Sûre, located in the northwestern part of the country. This reservoir provides a significant portion of the drinking water consumed in Luxembourg. It is supplemented by numerous natural springs and underground water sources distributed throughout the country.

This diversification of resources ensures a reliable supply of drinking water throughout the year.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes. The water distributed by Luxembourg’s municipalities is perfectly safe to drink and can be consumed directly from the tap.

Before being distributed to residents, it undergoes numerous treatment processes and regular testing to ensure it complies with national and European health standards.

Tests are conducted throughout the distribution chain to monitor, in particular:

• microbiological quality;
• chemical composition;
• mineral content;
• the absence of undesirable substances.

What should you do if you move?

When you move out of a residence, it’s important to notify your municipality or your service provider according to local procedures.

Before leaving the premises, be sure to:

• read the water meter;
• notify them of your move-out date;
• provide your new address so you can receive your final bill;
• verify that all consumption has been properly accounted for.

These steps help prevent billing errors or issues when the new tenant moves in.

Why conserve water?

Although Luxembourg has a high-quality water supply, it remains a precious resource. The droughts observed in recent years serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible water use.

Reducing waste not only helps preserve natural resources but also lowers your water and energy costs, especially when water needs to be heated.

How can you reduce your daily water consumption?

Adopting a few simple habits can help you reduce your water consumption in the long term, conserve natural resources, and lower your bill. These best practices benefit both homeowners and renters.

Fix leaks promptly

A dripping faucet or a faulty toilet flush can lead to significant waste over the course of a year. Check your plumbing regularly and report any leaks promptly to your landlord or property manager if you’re a renter.

Install water-saving fixtures

Faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and dual-flush toilets can significantly reduce water consumption without compromising comfort.

Adopt good habits

A few simple habits can also help reduce waste:

• take showers instead of baths;
• run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full;
• turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving;
• check your water usage regularly to catch leaks quickly.

Collecting Rainwater

For single-family homes with a yard, rainwater harvesting is a great solution for watering plants, cleaning the exterior, or other uses that don’t require drinking water.

Preserving Water Quality and Pipe Integrity

Water quality also depends on the actions each of us takes. Certain substances should never be flushed down the drain, as they complicate wastewater treatment and can cause long-term environmental pollution.

In particular, avoid pouring the following down sinks, washbasins, or toilets:

• cooking oils;
• paints and solvents;
• medications;
• hazardous chemicals;
• wipes, even biodegradable ones;
• cooking fats.

This waste must be disposed of through the appropriate collection systems provided by your municipality or at recycling centers.

FAQ: Water in Luxembourg

Further Information on Settling In in Luxembourg

Understanding how the water distribution system works will make settling in Luxembourg easier and help you better manage your daily water usage.

Check out our other practical guides as well:

• Heating, Electricity, and Energy Savings in Luxembourg
• Setting Up Your Home in Luxembourg
• Lease Agreements in Luxembourg: What You Need to Know
• Housing Assistance and Energy-Efficiency Renovations
• Waste Management and Recycling in Luxembourg
• Tips for Settling into Your New Home