Water is essential for life, yet many people do not have access to the cleanest drinking water in many countries.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people worldwide faces this challenge.

However, some countries stand out for their clean and safe water. This is due to their natural resources, good infrastructure, and strict environmental rules.

Even in these countries, water faces risks from pollution, climate change, and other environmental problems.

Here are five countries with the cleanest water in the world.

Finland

Finland has some of the cleanest water on Earth. The country has 168,000 lakes, and 85% of them are in excellent condition. Most of the water comes from these lakes, especially Lake Päijänne, which supplies water to nearly one million people.

Years ago, Finland’s water was polluted by industrial activities. Today, strict environmental rules and monitoring have improved its quality. The water needs only light processing, like UV treatment, before it reaches homes. Authorities work hard to keep the water clean and safe despite challenges like agricultural runoff.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands uses natural and chemical-free methods to purify water. Two-thirds of its water comes from groundwater, while the rest comes from rivers and sand dunes. Sand acts as a natural filter in a process called sedimentation.