A liter of tap water in Germany costs less than one cent – and is often better controlled than expensive mineral water from the bottle. Nevertheless, many errors last. We clarify the most important myths.
Tap water is an indispensable part of our lives, but many false ideas rose around its quality. Although it is controlled in Germany as mineral water, unsettle myths consumers: inside and often lead to unnecessary expenses for bottle water or filter. We clear up with the greatest errors and show what really gets out of the tap in the water.
Myth 1: Mineral water is better controlled than tap water
The fact is: that’s not true.
German tap water is subject to the strictest quality controls that are defined in the Drinking Water Ordinance and ensure that there are no harmful concentrations of substances or pathogens. “Tap water is even subject to stricter controls as mineral water,” explains Hannah Zeyßig from the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia.
Myth 2: tap water does not contain minerals
The fact is: tap water contains important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
“The water from the tap contains all the important minerals that the body needs, often in similar or even higher quantities than mineral water in bottles,” explains Hannah Zeyßig.
These minerals are also preserved after water treatment, since the treatment processes mainly aim to remove pollutants and not the useful components. However, the mineral content varies depending on the region and water source. It is important to note that the mineral content in the tap water alone is not sufficient to meet daily needs – a balanced diet remains essential.
Myth 3: Lime in the water is unhealthy
The fact is: no, hard, i.e. calcareous, water is not unhealthy.
Lime, chemical calcium carbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has no negative impact on health. Studies even indicate that hard water could easily reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. “In addition, there is no proven connection between water hardness and the development of kidney stones – these are usually due to a salty diet and too little fluid intake,” added Hannah Zeyßig. Lime deposits in household appliances such as kettle are very pronounced and annoying in some regions – the quality of the water is not affected.
Myth 4: Tap water contains dangerous medication residues
The fact is: Yes, in rare cases, there are traces of medication in the tap water.
However, according to current knowledge, these are so small that there are no health risks. Mineral water is not always free of chemicals. Modern preparation techniques minimize the residues of medication and chemicals. Many water suppliers also regularly publish their analysis reports.
“Tap water in Germany can therefore be drunk without hesitation,” explains Hannah Zeyßig.
Myth 5: Water filter improve the quality of tap water
The fact is: no. Special filters are usually not necessary.
“Only when ordered or recommended by the health department should a special filter be purchased,” says Hannah Zeyßig from the Consumer Center North Rhine -Westphalia and indicates the possible disadvantages of water filters: “Poorly maintained filters can deteriorate the water quality by giving germs and bacteria there or releasing the bound substances when their filter capacity is exhausted.”
Another problem of water filters: many filters remove useful minerals from the water.
Myth 6: Babies should only drink boiled tap water
The fact is: boiling tap water for babies is usually unnecessary.
Parents can usually use tap water to mix infant food. Contamination by bacteria on the tap or old water pipes is theoretically possible, but it is unlikely. If you want to be sure, you can boil the water in the first weeks of life and have it cooled. However, caution is advised if new copper pipes have recently been installed, as they can hand over increased amounts of copper in the first few months.
Myth 7: tap water contains microplastics
The fact is: the assumption is right. Studies have shown that both tap water and bottle water can contain traces of microplastics.
The tiny plastic particles come from various sources, including industrial wastewater and the decomposition of larger plastic waste. The long -term effects of microplastics on human health are still being researched.
Dagmar Uhl from the DVGW technology center water nevertheless gives the all-clear to Utopia: “Based on information from the literature and all our own measurement results, the load on drinking water in Germany with microplastics is extremely low, usually not detectable, and in any case significantly lower than the stress with microplastics, which we are exposed to from other sources.”
Myth 8: tap water contains lead
The fact is: In very few, not renovated old buildings, old pale pipes are still laid.
In Germany, the installation of lead pipes has been banned for many years and since 2013 there has been a strict limit for lead. The consumer center explains: “Tenants: Interior and employees in companies are entitled to ensure that the drinking water regulation is adhered to for all taps for tap water in the building.” Old pale pipes must be removed and replaced by January 1, 2026 at the latest, the Federal Environment Agency explains. Otherwise a lawsuit is possible.
Myth 9: Tap water makes men sterile
The fact is: Minor residues of hormone active substances in tap water occur, but health effects are not scientifically proven.
The rumor persists: Tap water should affect the fertility of men due to estrogens in the water. In fact, medication such as anti -Babopilles or agriculture gets small amounts of hormone active substances into the drinking water. Modern sewage treatment plants cannot fully filter out.
However, the Federal Environment Agency and independent specialist reports provide all -clear: In the amounts common today, hormone -like substances in drinking water are not hazardous to health. Modern sewage and preparation techniques also ensure that the residues are further minimized.
The only exception: In rare cases, old house installations can be a risk – for example if drinking water pipes with epoxy resin have been renovated. In very hot water, bisphenol A (BPA) can be released from it, a fabric that is suspected of being hormonal. That is why the following applies: Cold water should be used for infants and for preparing sensitive food and boiled if necessary.
Conclusion: tap water convinces across the board
Tap water is not only safe and healthy, it is also a real sustainability gain. It causes almost 600 times less COâ‚‚ than mineral water from the bottle, saves plastic and protects the wallet. While one liter of mineral water can cost more than 50 cents, the price for one liter of tap water is an average of 0.2 cents.
In most cases, tap water in Germany can be drinked without worry. If there are doubts, for example on the pipes in the house, the tap water can be easily tested. For water samples from private individuals there are several service providers who employ their own laboratories, for example on Wassertest-online.de
Read more on utopia.de:
- Osmosis water: healthy water or unnecessary hype?
- Still drinking water? An expert clarifies
- Drink 2 liters every day: or myth?
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partially partner links: If you buy here, you will actively support Techzle\.com, because we will then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.