German drinking water receives top marks very well

German drinking water receives from the Federal Environmental Agency the overall grade "very good"

19/01/2012

Drinking water in Germany is better than its reputation. The current report on drinking water quality of the Federal Ministry of Health and the German Federal Environmental Agency (UAB) certifies the tap water in this country an extremely good quality. Only rarely were limits exceeded in the past year by larger waterworks, as stated in the test report. The values ​​for lead, copper and cadmium continue to be problematic, even if there is no direct health risk for the end user.

The drinking water in Germany is predominantly of impeccable quality, according to the final test report of the Federal Environment Agency. Thus, exceeding the legally prescribed limit values ​​is a rare exception in all large waterworks. Tap water is one of the most consumed foods in Germany, which is why it is subject to strict conditions and requirements. These are prescribed in the Drinking Water Ordinance. For example, no pathogenic germs, viruses, fungi or chemical substances may be present in harmful concentrations. The water must be according to the regulation „pure and suitable for enjoyment“ be as stated in the Legislative Decree. In almost all microbiological and chemical quality tests compliance with the specifications could be maintained by about 99 percent.

Nitrate pollution has fallen sharply
Although high concentrations of nitrates in groundwater are detectable, however, the limit values ​​would, according to the Federal Environment Agency „not exceeded in drinking water“. If consumers consume too much over a longer period of time, serious illnesses can arise, which is why a low salary is respected. For example, nitrates containing heavy metals as cations may be carcinogenic or damage the cardiovascular system. The results have now shown that there has been a decreasing trend in nitrate pollution since 1999. Just over eleven years ago, the legal nitrate value exceeded 1.1 percent. In 2010, the nationwide limit average was close to zero percent, which means that there was almost no overshooting of the maximum nitrate value. The good separation was achieved by „more extensive treatment measures and by mixing less polluted water“, explained a UBA spokesman.

Lead, copper, nickel and cadmium levels are still too high
A bigger problem seems to be the exceedance of the toxic metal lead. However, in most cases the high values ​​do not result from the waterworks but from the lead pipes and fittings still installed in many places. The lead-containing lines are generally technically not recognized, but are still often used. As a result, nickel, copper and cadmium levels may sometimes be exceeded. Even if it too „Limit overruns comes, there is usually no „Danger to the health of citizens.“

Exceedances of coliform bacteria
The test data are from the period 2008 to 2010. The experts compared all incoming reports from the municipalities and federal states. It could be determined that „only one percent of the samples of drinking water“ were objectionable, so the UBA. Depending on the location and region, one to three percent of the test measurements in the waterworks or pipe networks were objectionable. There it came to light to medium strong exceedances of the limit values. The cause of the exceptions were individual substances that are used in agriculture and come from pesticides. Other tests had shown temporary transgression of coliform bacteria, with the bacterial strain „is not infectious for humans“. However, the occurrence shows a general deterioration of the water quality, which in turn makes further investigations necessary, „to clarify the cause and, where appropriate, initiate preventive measures to protect the health of the population.“

The slight decline in nitrate concentrations in tap water is pleasing. The chairman of the UBA emphasized at the presentation of the report that the „German drinking water can be drunk without hesitation.“ The quality and features „still get only top marks. "As food number one, the water should eventually meet the high demands.

Since 1999, the water supply systems invested
The Federal Association of the Energy and Water Industry (BDEW) said that the water industry has invested about 110 billion euros in the functioning of the last 22 years. "The report from the Federal Environmental Agency shows that German drinking water has good to very good quality everywhere, and the high level of investment in water supply systems, grids and the protection of drinking water resources make a major contribution to this success," explained Martin Weyand, Chief Operating Officer Water / Wastewater at BDEW , (Sb)

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Picture credits: Huber