Drinking water in Germany: quality, concerns and practical tips from financial experts

Drinking water in Germany: quality, concerns and practical tips from financial experts

According to a report by www.nw.de, the drinking water in Bad Salzuflen is currently polluted, which means that a boiling water requirement applies to some districts. This raises the question of whether tap water is generally safe to drink. Although tap water is strictly controlled in Germany, there are concerns about possible pollutants, leading many people to continue buying bottled water. In our article we would like to address these concerns and provide practical tips on water quality and use.

Is there a danger from the water pipe?

The water supplier is responsible for the quality of drinking water up to the meter in the house, while after that the owner of the building is responsible. Older homes may still have lead pipes that release lead into the drinking water. In addition, new copper pipes can release increased amounts of the metal into the water, which can be particularly problematic for households with infants.

Can tap water be drunk immediately?

Water that sits in the pipes for more than four hours is no longer fresh and can promote germ contamination. Therefore, the water should always run for some time before consumption until it comes out of the tap cool.

Does tap water contain minerals?

Tap water also contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which means that avoiding mineral water does not lead to a deficiency.

What about drug and pesticide residues?

Although some drinking water may contain traces of drug and pesticide residues, these are usually significantly lower than in other foods. The Drinking Water Ordinance was also amended to monitor even more substances and tighten some limit values.

Are water filters necessary?

According to the NRW consumer advice center, the use of drinking water filters to remove pollutants is generally not necessary. Special water treatment devices often promise benefits that are not scientifically recognized and can also worsen the quality of drinking water.

Where can you have tap water analyzed?

Local water suppliers are obliged to provide information about drinking water. An analysis is usually not necessary, but in some cases laboratories can carry out tests on the drinking water. The list of laboratories is listed on the website of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Office for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection.

These facts show that tap water in Germany is generally of good quality and can be consumed safely in most cases. Buying expensive bottled water can therefore not only put a strain on your wallet, but also have a negative impact on the environment through the production of plastic bottles. Therefore, it is important that consumers are informed about the quality of their tap water in order to make sustainable and healthy choices.