The drinking water quality is strictly controlled in Germany. In contrast to other countries, the water can usually be drunk directly from the tap without hesitation. Sometimes, however, a check makes sense, for example if there is a suspicion of legionella.
There are so many types of water in Germany
The liquid elixir of life is transported to consumers throughout Germany by more than 5,800 supply companies. In addition, water is also available in bottles or cans as a still or substantial variant.
But despite the apparent diversity, Germany is not one of the top places when it comes to world water development. Instead, Finland is a leader when it comes to claiming, developing and using water resources.
This is where the dangers lurk in drinking water
In Germany, water suppliers are obliged to comply with strict specifications and guideline values. For example, certain pesticides, drug residues or heavy metals must not be found in drinking water. Again and again there are media reports about contaminated drinking water. Many consumers are therefore unsettled and want to know for sure. Asking the local water supplier can help, but there is not always an immediate answer.
Anyone who wants precise security through expert investigations can therefore do one do your own water test. There are numerous very easy test procedures for this, which enable a focus-specific analysis directly from the tap.
Tip: That The Federal Environment Agency monitors compliance the limits. Here you can also find more detailed information on the local drinking water quality.
That’s how dangerous nitrate residues are for the body
Nitrate can occur in groundwater, is theoretically not dangerous for humans. However, nitrite conversion occurs in the body and this poses a potential risk. Nitrite is extremely dangerous, especially for infants, because it destroys the red blood pigment. Experts also found that nitrosamines (produced by nitrite) can be carcinogenic.
The nitrate occurrence is particularly high in regions with increased agriculture. Through liquid manure and fertilizers, the nitrite gets into the groundwater and accumulates there. In order not to exceed the limit values, the Federal Environment Agency measures regularly throughout Germany. The limit is a maximum load of 500 mg/litre.
Uranium in water and its consequences
Uranium is not only known from atomic research, but can also settle in groundwater. The reason for this is the washing out of the substance from the rock or soil, because it occurs naturally there. If it enters the body orally, it can severely impair kidney function.
In order to protect the population and maintain drinking water quality, the EU has had one since 2011 Limit of 10 micrograms/litre fixed. This value applies to adults but not to infants. Anyone who wants to provide their offspring with drinking water should therefore take a very close look at the limit values.
In Germany, the quality of drinking water is strictly monitored by the Federal Environment Agency. Therefore, water can be drunk from the tap in many places without hesitation.
Frequently underestimated: drug residues in groundwater
The number of people taking medication is increasing across Germany. Around 59.4 percent take painkillers at least once a year, and more than 7.7 percent take sleeping pills and tranquilizers. The problem with taking it: Drug residues can get into the drinking water through the excretions and waste water.
Experts even found out that the residues of cold preparations and cough syrups are particularly high in drinking water, especially after flu outbreaks. The changes are already visible in the animal world, as some male fish have expressions of female sex organs. Experts suspect estrogen residues from the birth control pill that are in the water.
Clean water at home: Own water filters can help
the Drinking water quality from the tap is good in Germany compared to other countries. But there are still numerous residues in it, which can impair physical functions, especially in young people. That is why more and more households are resorting to individual filter options.
Manual filter options, for example, are particularly pragmatic. The water is passed through a carbon filter and comes out cleaner. There are now numerous filters that are connected directly to the tap. Thanks to their technology, they are able to remove even the smallest particles such as bacteria, sediments or heavy metals.
07/14/2022